I created the below graphic to depict the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem using the authentic gems as described in Revelation 21. On each stone is inscribed the name of one of the twelve apostles in Hebrew, the language of God's chosen people.
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It's interesting to note, the gems described in Revelation 21 are not the same as we know them today. Through much research, below is the closest authentic description of the biblical gems and how these gemstones would be known to us today. Also listed is the name of the apostle said to be inscribed on each stone.
Jasper - Peter
A spotted stone of sea green color
Sapphire - Andrew
A deep blue color of vitreous luster
Chalcedony - James*
Pale blue, translucent to transparent
Emerald - John
A bright green color
Sardonyx - Philip
A reddish-brown agate, the rarest form of onyx
Sardius - Bartholomew
Blood red color, today known as the ruby
Chrysolite - Thomas
Golden yellow, today known as yellow topaz
Beryl - Matthew
Today known as precious beryl
Topaz - James
This "topaz" is today's peridot, also called olivine
Chrysoprase - Thaddaeus
A translucent, pale green
Jacinth - Simon
A deep blue color, known today as lapis lazuli
Amethyst - Matthias**
A deep purple or violet, in the quartz family.
James of Zebedee*
Matthias** - was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot, Acts 1:26
For colors and their Biblical meaning, click here...
