Sable

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Sables

Japsable

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Sable refers to several different concepts, primarily within the realms of zoology, heraldry, and color terminology.

Zoology

The sable (Martes zibellina) is a species of marten, a small carnivorous mammal primarily found in Russia, Siberia, and parts of Mongolia, China, and Korea. Sables are known for their luxurious fur, which has been highly valued in the fur trade for centuries. The fur is typically dark brown or black, and it is soft and dense, making it a prized material for coats, hats, and other garments.

Sables are solitary animals, primarily nocturnal, and they inhabit dense forests. They are omnivorous, feeding on small mammals, birds, fish, insects, and plant material. Sables are also known for their agility and ability to climb trees.

Heraldry

In heraldry, sable is the term used to describe the color black. It is one of the standard tinctures used in heraldic designs and is often depicted as a solid black field or charge. Sable is associated with qualities such as constancy, grief, and prudence. In heraldic tradition, the use of sable can signify a person or family's strength and resilience.

Color Terminology

The term sable is also used in color terminology to describe a very dark shade of black. This usage is derived from the color of the sable's fur, which is one of the darkest natural blacks found in the animal kingdom. In various contexts, sable can be used to describe anything that is exceptionally dark or black in color.

Related Pages

• Martes
• Marten
• Fur trade
• Heraldry
• Tincture (heraldry)
• Color terminology