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Given the difficulty to engrave such a hard stone as topaz, it seems likely that the breastplate stone found in the Bible called pitdah is best translated as a peridot gemstone. True topaz, however, was likely used to adorn Lucifer and will be used in the New Jerusalem.
- Gemstones mentioned in The Bible
- The High Priest’S Breastplate
- Ephod Row 1
- Ephod Row 3
- Row 4
- The Foundations of New Jerusalem
- Other Biblical Gemstones
A surprising number of gemstones are mentioned in the Bible. Although some are identified and verified definitively, the true nature of others is debated by scholars. It’s not surprising, then, that the translation of some Greek or Hebrew words for the various gemstones differ greatly. I try to include as many as possible in this article, but I won...
The Ephod consisted of four rows with three stones per row. The gems represented the 12 tribes (or sons) of Israel, whose names the high priest always carried over his heart.
Carnelian
Called sardius or sardine in some translations, Carnelian is a translucent, fine-grained, hard quartz of an orangish-red hue. Some scholars believe this stone could also have been some other red stone, such as red jasperor garnet. Carnelian has been found in ancient royal tombs and was often used for ring stones and wax seals. A string of expertly-carved carnelian beads found in Egypt dates back as far as 3100 B.C. Carnelian comes from the Hebrew word “odem” or the Greek word “sardios,” descr...
Topaz
Sometimes translated chrysolite, modern topaz ranges in color from a deep gold-orange to red, brownish-yellow, pink, colorless, or various shades of blue. The gem consists of aluminum, silicon, oxygen, and fluorine. The Greek word “topazion” comes from the island in the Red Sea off Egypt’s coast where the gem was mined. However, the golden-colored stone mined on the island is believed by some to be peridot. Some call this stone yellow topaz, but others agree the breastplate gem was more than...
Emerald
Some translations call this valuable grassy-green variety of beryl carbuncle. The gem was well-known in Bible lands and mined (later called Cleopatra’s mines) near the Red Sea in Egypt during the time the Hebrews lived there. The word emerald combines the Greek word “smaragdos” and the French word “esmaralde,” which literally means “green gemstone.” The Hebrew is most likely “baroqet.” Emeralds symbolize new beginnings and fertility. Possible Biblical references: Exodus 28:20; 39:13; Ezekiel...
Jacinth
Scholars agree that jacinth is some kind of blue stone, though little is known about it beyond the color. Some believe it is the sapphire of today. Jacinth is a derivation of the Greek word “huakinthos,” better known as hyacinth. It symbolizes life and creative power. Possible Biblical references: Exodus 28:19; 39:12; Revelation 21:20
Agate
Agate is one of the fine-grained varieties of quartz known as chalcedony. Agate is banded in patterns of colored layers–white, dull yellow, orange, brown, red, black, blue, or gray. The name is derived from the Hebrew “shebo,” meaning “to flame, to split into tongues,” and was mined in abundance as early as 3000 B.C. Large amounts have been found in the archeological digs of Sumer dating back to 3500 B.C. Agate was prized in antiquity for beads, pins and brooches, signet rings, goblets and cu...
Amethyst
Amethyst is a quartz varietywith a rich violet hue. Since few purple gemstones exist, amethyst has been highly treasured from antiquity. Exquisitely carved and engraved goblets, vases, miniatures, and charms of amethyst have been found in archeological digs. The gem was mined in Egypt as much as 4000 years ago. Amethyst is one of the few stones about which most scholars agree regarding the name. It comes from the Hebrew “ahlamah,” meaning “dream stone,” and was thought to bring pleasant dream...
Beryl
This particular variety of beryl is probably more accurately called Aquamarine for its light blue or bluish-green color. It was the most available beryl in Biblical times. The term Aquamarine is not used by Bible translators. The Roman historian Elder Pliny (23-79 A.D) describes the gemstone’s color and characteristics, known as the Greek “berullos” at that time. The light shade of the stone distinguishes it from emerald–the rarer and, in today’s market, the most valuable of the beryls. Aquam...
Onyx
Onyx is also a variety of banded chalcedony, usually black and white. The description of the stone’s identity was confirmed by the Jewish historian Josephus (37-100 A.D.) The Greek word “onux” means “nail of a finger.” The Hebrew word translated as onyx is “shosham.” Onyx became highly sought after for carving cameos and seal rings. It was a favorite of Alexander the Great, and his image has been found beautifully engraved on many onyx pieces. Black onyx symbolizes willpower, confidence, and...
Jasper
Jasper is a red variety of chalcedony (quartz). Chalcedony’s colors are derived from various minerals in the surrounding rocks. These impurities leech into the crystals, adding beautiful hues that have been given individual names. The impurity found in jasper is iron. Jasper may also be yellow, brown, or green. The stone can take a lovely high polish, making it popular in ancient times for household decor such as mantles, pillars, and vases. Jasper’s name is derived from the Greek “iaspis” or...
Many of the stones listed for the foundation of the New Jerusalem have already been described above. A few are subjects of controversy among scholars, and some are unique.
With so many variations in translations, I will not attempt to list every possible stone that could be named or substituted for Bible references here. However, there are several other stones that certainly worthy of mention.
People also ask
Why is a peridot called a gem?
Is Peridot a breastplate gemstone?
What is Peridot in the Bible?
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2 days ago · The Bible makes many references to jewels and precious stones. This is not so surprising, since in every civilisation gemstones have been highly prized and sought after. There are many gemstones and biogenic gem materials mentioned. The identity of each was, of course, known to the ancient Hebrews.
Learn about the fascinating Biblical use of gemstones! Which precious stones still adorn the devil? Which ones did the High Priest wear?
Mar 25, 2024 · The Bible’s most celebrated – and debated – reference to gemstones regards the sacred breastplate of the high priest of the Israelites, also known as “Aaron’s breastplate” and the “breastplate of judgment.”
In fact, the Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun.” Some believed that it protected its owner from “terrors of the night,” especially when it was set in gold. Others strung the gems on donkey hair and tied them around their left arms to ward off evil spirits. The word peridot comes from the Arabic “faridat,” which means “gem.”
By Gavin Clarke Reviewed By Andreas Zabczyk. Uncovering the Rich History of Peridot Gems. Natural Peridot Gemstones. Peridot is one of the most unique and fascinating gemstones in the world. With a rich history that dates back thousands of years, it continues to captivate people to this day.
