The Apocalypse makes reference to twelve precious stones:
And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. (Rev. 21:19-20)
Some have tried to identify each stone with a specific tribe of Israel. I have not done so here as I do not think there is enough evidence to make such a determination. Remember too that precious stones named in the Bible may or may not refer to gemstones of the same name today.
The twelve stones of Aaron’s breastplate referred to in Exodus 28:17-20 and Exodus 39:10-13 do not correspond exactly with the twelve stones of The Apocalypse. There are several differences, for example Onyx is replaced by Sardonyx and Ligure is replaced by Chrysoprasus.
The Hebrews obtained their precious stones from the Middle East, Egypt, and India. At the time of the Exodus the Israelites took with them many precious stones.
The people of Palestine could obtain stones from the merchant caravans travelling from Babylonia or Persia to Egypt and those from Sheba and Raamah to Tyre.
Below is a description of each precious stone referenced in the building of the wall of the New Jerusalem.
Click on the images to enlarge.
Jasper
Jasper, meaning spotted or speckled stone, is an opaque, impure variety of silica, usually red, yellow, brown or green in color. It owes its red color to iron inclusions.
Jasper is known to have been a favorite gem in the ancient world. Legend says that Jasper would drive away evil spirits and protect against snake and spider bites. In the fourth century, it was thought to bring about the rain.
Jasper has a smooth surface, and is used for ornamentation or as a gemstone. It can be highly polished and is used for vases, seals, and at one time for snuff boxes.
Sapphire
Sapphire, meaning blue stone, is a variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminium oxide. Although blue is their most well-known color, sapphires are made up of any color, except for red when they would be called rubies. Sapphires may also be colorless, and are also found in shades of gray and black.
Sapphires are commonly worn as jewelry and can be found naturally.
Sapphires were not known as a distinct stone and sapphiros referred to any blue gem in general before the time of the Roman Empire. They were considered to be forms of jacinth.
Chalcedony
Chalcedony is composed of very fine intergrowths of the minerals quartz and moganite.
Chalcedony has a waxy luster, and may be semitransparent or translucent. It can assume a wide range of colors, but those most commonly seen are white to gray, grayish-blue or a shade of brown ranging from pale to nearly black.
The name chalcedony comes from Latin calcedonius, the word used to translate the Greek word khalkedon, found only once, in the Book of Revelation. It is doubtful that the precious stone referred to is the same as what is now understood by the name.
Emerald
Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl colored green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Most emeralds are highly included, so their toughness (resistance to breakage) is classified as generally poor.
Deep green is the most desired color in emeralds. The paler the color of the emerald, the lesser its value.
The word originally came from the Hebrew, meaning green. However, Bible references to emerald as a precious stone is probably a mistranslation.
Emeralds in antiquity were mined by the Egyptians.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a variant of onyx in which the colored bands are usually flat-banded, white and brownish-red rather than black.
Use of sardonyx appears in the art of Minoan Crete from the archaeological recoveries at Knossos.
Roman soldiers wore sardonyx talismans engraved with heroes such as Hercules or Mars, believing that the stone would make the wearer as brave as the figure carved on it.
During the Renaissance, sardonyx was believed to bring eloquence upon the wearer and was greatly valued by orators.
Sardius
Sardius is a stone of a blood-red or flesh color and is commonly known as carnelian or sard. It is the same as the sardine stone mentioned in Revelation 4:3.
Sard was used for Assyrian cylinder seals, Egyptian and Phoenician scarabs, and early Greek and Etruscan gems. The Hebrew odem, translated sardius, was a red stone, probably sard.
According to Pliny the Elder, sard derives its name from the city of Sardis in Lydia, but it more likely comes from the Persian word sered, meaning yellowish-red. Others say it is found in Sardinia, from whence it has its name.
Chrysolite
Chrysolite is named peridot when of a deep olive-green, olivine when of a yellowish-green, and chrysolite when of a lighter or golden-yellow color. The name chrysolite means gold stone.
Chrysolite is frequently mentioned in the Bible and in ancient literature; but was probably topaz. If this is true, the chrysolite of the ancients was found on the island of Topazios, in the Red Sea. Diodones Siculus says of the stone there that it was not discernible by day, but was bright at night.
The name chrysolite was also applied in former times to a number of other yellow gems, such as zircon and beryl, stones of a similar color being then usually classed together.
Beryl
Beryl is a beryllium aluminium cyclosilicate. Pure beryl is colorless, but it is frequently tinted by impurities; possible colors are green, blue, yellow, red, and white. In Greek beryl means a precious blue-green color-of-sea-water stone.
Beryl is mentioned in scripture such as when Daniel sees the Lord in vision and describes “His body also was like the beryl.”
Beryl is much softer than diamond, ruby, or sapphire. Beryl is quite common, and the crystals in its cruder form often grow to enormous size. One such crystal is preserved in the Boston Museum of Natural History, which is three and one half feet long and three feet wide and weighs several tons.
Topaz
Pure topaz is colorless and transparent but is usually tinted by impurities; typical topaz is wine, yellow, pale gray, reddish-orange, or blue brown. It can also be made white, pale green, blue, gold, pink (rare), reddish-yellow or opaque to transparent.
On account of its hardness, it takes a good polish and shows a brilliant luster which is often seen on the crystal faces.
Amongst the ancients, like the ruby, the topaz was also supposed to be gifted with marvellous medical properties, and also believed to be capable of giving light in the dark. When powdered and taken in wine, it was considered a cure for asthma, sleeplessness and many other diseases.
Chrysoprasus
Chysoprasus is a gemstone variety of chalcedony that contains small quantities of nickel. Its color is normally apple-green, but varies to deep green.
The word Chrysoprasus appears only once in the Bible, in Revelation 21:20. This is perhaps the agate of Exodus 28:19.
Chrysoprasus was used by the Greeks, Romans, and the Egyptians in jewelry and other ornamental objects and because of its semi-opaque green color, it is often mistaken for Imperial jadeite.
Chrysoprase is prized for its color and rarity and is said to be the favorite gemstone of Alexander the Great.
Jacinth
Jacinth, from the Greek word hyacinth, is a red transparent variety of zircon.
Jacinth, like a lot of other zircon, has been used since biblical times. It has also shown up as an ornamental stone in the weaponry and armor of other cultures.
Jacinth is better suited to items like pendants, necklaces, brooches, and earrings than it is to bracelets.
Many ancient cultures believed jacinth would protect them from personal danger. It was also believed to protect property from theft. Some thought that is could ward off the evil of witchcraft. Many believed that it would dull in color if the wearer was sick.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz often used in jewelry. The name comes from the Greek meaning not intoxicated. The ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in the belief that it would prevent drunkenness.
Amethyst was used as a gemstone by the ancient Egyptians and was largely employed in antiquity as engraved gems.
Up to the 18th century, amethyst was included in the most valuable gemstones along with diamond, sapphire, ruby, and emerald. However since the discovery of extensive deposits in locations such as Brazil, it has lost most of its value.
Sources
- Souvay, Charles (1912). “Precious Stones in the Bible“.
- Wikipedia articles: Amethyst, Beryl, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Chrysoprase, Emerald, Jacinth, Jasper, Olivine, Onyx, Sapphire, and Topaz.
- Several other websites.
Why are these stones named stones of apocalyphys?
These stones are listed in the Book of Revelation. Another name for the Book of Revelation is “The Apocalypse of John” — the original end of the world account.
Dear Rick, I just want to thank you for putting all of this info together! As I have been researching my scriptures, I came across your information and I thought to myself this feels like this person has to be Mormon who gathered this information because it was correct and was delighted to see that you too were indeed Mormon and I just wanted to thank you for your time! :)
I’m not Mormon, I’m born again, John 3:3-7; my name is written in the Lambs book of Life, Rev. 20: 20-15; husband practiced being a Mormon, didn’t believe things they did and practiced, ¹ for instance multiple wives, no, no, no.
LOL!!!!
Amen brother
LOL!
nice stones.thanks to share.
WOW! AMEN! This is so beautiful! Just picturing what the new Jerusalem is going to look like brings tears to my eyes! LORD JESUS, let Thy will be done in our lives!! :) WE LOVE YOU, LORD<3
Amen brother.
Thank you so much. Have been looking for stones to show my Bible Study group. Just great to find them all in one place.
I too have found it very interesting to look up all these stones and gems to actually SEE pictures of their color, and what they were used best for. A compliment to you for all your writing study and work to put this together. I’m a Christian…and Thank you for the insight. Beautiful heavenly “Jerusalem the golden.” Nancy
I was looking at Revelation 19&20 and was looking for picture of these so thanks.
Fascinating. The walls of the new Jerusalem will be so colorful!
Thanks to God. Answer to prayer
Why could “New Jerusalem” not be a city in the Middle East?
That the New Jerusalem is indeed a heavenly city is supported by the vision of her that John beheld. Only a symbolic city could have the dimensions and splendor of New Jerusalem. Its base was foursquare, about 555 km (345 mi) on each side, or about 2,220 km (1,379 mi) completely around, that is, 12,000 furlongs. Being a cube, the city was also as high as it was long and wide. No man-made city could ever reach that far into “outer space.” Round about was a wall 144 cubits (64 m; 210 ft) high. The wall, itself constructed of jasper, in turn rested on 12 foundation stones, precious stones of great beauty—jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, sardius, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, hyacinth, and amethyst. On these 12 foundation stones were engraved the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb. The city proper within these beautiful walls was no less glorious, for it was described as “pure gold like clear glass,” having a broad way of “pure gold, as transparent glass.”—Re 21:12-21.
The New Jerusalem (Heavenly city) is not symbolic but real! All glory and honor to the Lamb of God! Creator of Heaven and earth.
When we get there we will be made new with new bodies like Him. At the core, I believe God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are all what we would consider spirit-based beings. Adam was just a shell until he had the breath of life (spirit) breathed into Him by God. Personally, I believe, once we get to the New Jerusalem, we will not be conformed to time and space.
By the by…Thanks Rickety! The Lord sent me to Rev 4 this morning, and I ended up down this wonderful rabbit trail right away. I really enjoyed the article!
-A
If heaven is going to filled with all of these amazing stones then I want in forreal because our heavenly father wants to shower us in all of his glory…..So what other way is it for the king of kings an lord of lords to show off to his children
we can all have in but we must live for him and serve him in righteouness
◄ John 14 ►
New King James Version Par ▾
The Way, the Truth, and the Life
1“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2In My Father’s house are many [a]mansions; if it were not so, [b]I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4And where I go you know, and the way you know.”
5Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
we can all have a part of this heavenly kingdom but we must live for him and serve him
Please can these stones be found on this planet(Earth) or only in the book of Revelation? Is it real ?
The stones are found on Earth and the Book of Revelation is real. Some of the events in it have not happened yet.
You really didn’t know these were real? How EXACTLY would he have pictures of them? Bible thumpers these days.
🙏
Really interesting post. Even though I’m someone who knows a lot about gemstones (I have a website on the subject), I don’t know much about religion so this was especially interesting.
Heaven here I come
Pray for us…we live in area of Kurtistown, on the Big Island of Hawaii. There is a street called Silversword Ct., where a ” suspected” drug dealer house is located. Due to the influence of these lowlives, the area is overrun by real creepy types, and decent residents live in fear. The police appear to be covering for crime, as nothing can move them to even investigate. Blessings.
Do you believe that Jesus Christ came to die for our dirty sins so that we can be reconciled to God, our Father, and He can fill us with His Holy Spirit so that we may become a new creation, transformed by the love and grace and mercy of our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ ? Maybe those people need to hear this good news, and perhaps that will do a lot more good than the police could.
Truly Heaven is a great place to be among the universe and it is the will of the FATHER GOD for us to be there and a great privilege to know Christ Jesus because He is the true and the only way to be there n may the grace of Christ enable us to finish the race faithfully and be there finally. Amen
Oh,what a glorious future awaits those whose names are written in the lamb’s book of life. Nice pictures of these preciours stones, this is a city of perculiar heavenly quality. Thanks for sharing may God richly bless U.
God is truly Amazing
Is the Diamond ever mentioned… even once in the Bible?? HW
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/ezek/28.13?lang=eng#p12
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/jer/17.1?lang=eng#p1
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/ex/28.18?lang=eng#p17
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/ex/39.11?lang=eng#p10
Joseph E. Mason provides a connection between the stones and the 12 tribes of Israel if you’re interested.
not really.
FIRST AND FORMOST YOU HAVE TO TRUST HIM
If the New Jerusalem is not real why give the dimensions?
Thanks for the picture of those beautiful stones. Reading about them in Revelation this morning.
This is an amazing discovery. I was actually reading Rev. 4 when I stumble on these stone jasper and sardius and I decided to look them up but guess what I got more than I bargained for. More grace of GOD upon u as we shall not miss that beautiful home in Jesus name
Yes, I did the same thing. I am reading Revelation and wanted to see what each jew stone looks like and I really learned more than the color. Wonderful information. Thank you!!!
If the Bible wasn’t real none of us would be here.Including believers and unbelievers.The persecution and spiritual warfare are real.The prophecies are taking place right in our faces.Only JESUS CHRIST can Save us,Forgive our sins and Give us eternal life if we repent from our wicked and evil ways and accept Him before is too late as our only SAVIOR!!!
Why Diamonds are not mention
I ama Christian, I asked Jesus Christ to save me and come into my heart yrs ago. Now your pictures of the stones of the city of heaven make me so happy. It will be so beautiful, I can’t wait to see it.
what a Blessed joy to experience Eternal With Yeshua Hamashiach.
Married to Him Only…….
and seeing the Holy City -Magnificent-
I am a Born again Christian realizing Sanctification is a work of a lifetime.
I pray I can come to the point in my life of Galatians 2:20 as the Apostle Paul did. Waiting for the Resurrection 1Thessalonians 4:13 – 18.