Crossword Genius

Hard mineral perhaps I ordered (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sapphire

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'hard mineral' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both substances as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'perhaps i ordered' is the wordplay.
'ordered' indicates an anagram.
'perhaps'+'i'='perhapsi'
'perhapsi' is an anagram of 'SAPPHIRE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sapphire that I've seen before include "His paper can be made into a jewel" , "Blue gemstone" , "precious item" , "Deep blue - precious stone" , "Birthstone for September" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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