BIBLICAL GEMSTONES
When researching the Bible's gemstones, it is quickly apparent translations offer numerous variations of stones' names and the Tribes of Israel to whom they belong. Below is information from various sources and is compiled of generally-occurring data with an attempt to use modern names for the most consistently listed stones representing the Tribes. Also offered is a general listing of materials, metals, gemstones, and colors of sacred significance in the Bible. No representation is made this particular data is the most accurate available, nor that my compilation is academically acceptable to true scholars. I have presented my layman's exploration for enjoyment with the most integrity possible. Enjoy. (Biblical verses are quoted from The Jerusalem Bible, Reader's Edition, Doubleday & Company, Inc., copyright 1968)
Exodus 39:8-14 – The Pectoral of Judgment
v. 8 BEGIN: They made the pectoral, finely brocaded, of the same workmanship as the ephod, of gold, purple stuffs, violet shade and red, crimson stuffs, and fine twined linen. It was square and doubled over, a span in length and a span in width. In this they set four rows of stones. Sard, topaz, carbuncle, for the first row; emerald, sapphire, diamond for the second row; the third row, hyacinth, ruby, amethyst; the fourth row, beryl, onyx, jasper. These were mounted in settings of gold mesh. They bore the names of the sons of Israel and, like their names were twelve in number. They were engraved like seals, each with the name of one of the twelve tribes. END v. 14 … Exodus 28:29 - Thus by means of the pectoral of judgment, when Aaron enters the sanctuary, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel on his breast to call them to mind continually in the presence of Yahweh.
1st row: Carnelian (sard/sardius), topaz, garnet or ruby (carbuncle) [red-orange; orange; red]
2nd row: Emerald, sapphire, diamond [green, blue, clear/white]
3rd row: Hyacinth (blue/bluish purple; Jacinth/orange, amber), ruby, amethyst [blue, red, purple]
4th row: Beryl, onyx, jasper [green/aqua, black, multi]
EXODUS 35: COLORS AND MATERIALS OF YAHWEH’S INSTRUCTIONS TO MOSES ON THE BUILDING OF THE SANCTUARY AND ON ITS MINISTERS
Contributions: gold, silver, and bronze, purple stuffs, of violet shade and red, crimson stuffs, fine linen, goats’ hair; rams’ skins dyed red, fine leather, acacia wood, oil for the lamps, spices for the chrism and for the fragrant incense; onyx stones and gems to be set in ephod and pectoral.
Ark of the Testimony: acacia wood; plated with pure gold inside and out; decorated with gold molding; gold rings
Throne of Mercy: pure gold; golden cherubs of beaten gold
Offertory Table: acacia wood; plated with pure gold; gold molding; gold rings; dishes, cups, jars, and libation bowls of pure gold
Lampstand: pure beaten gold; cups shaped like almond blossoms
Tabernacle: Sheets of fine twined linen, of purple stuffs, violet shade and red, and of crimson stuffs brocaded with cherubs; gold clasps; sheets of goats’ hair with bronze clasps; tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering of fine leather
Framework: acacia wood; silver sockets; frames and crossbars plated with gold, and gold rings
Veil: purple stuffs, violet shade and red, of crimson stuffs, and of fine twined linen; embroidered with cherubs hung from acacia wood plated with gold with golden hooks set in silver sockets; tent entrance a screen of purple stuffs, violet shade and red, and of crimson stuffs and fine twined linen, the work of a skilled embroiderer; posts of acacia wood plated with gold, golden hooks, bronze sockets
Altar of Holocaust: acacia wood; horns, plated with bronze; vessels for the altar out of bronze; grating of bronze network
Exodus 28:1-2: From among the sons of Israel summon your brother Aaron and his sons to be priests in my service: Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, sons of Aaron.
Priestly Vestments: Ablest craftsmen to give dignity and magnificence; gold, purple stuffs, violet shade and red, crimson stuffs, and fine twined linen.
Bronze Basin: Aaron and his sons wash their hands and feet in water to enter the Tent of Meeting
CRAFTSMEN FOR THE SANCTUARY: Exodus 35:30 BEGIN – See, Yahweh has singled out Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. He has filled him with the spirit of God and endowed him with skill and perception and knowledge for every kind of craft: for the art of designing and working in gold and silver and bronze; for cutting stones to be set, for carving in wood, for every kind of craft. And on him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, he has bestowed the gift of teaching. He has filled them with skill to carry out all the crafts of engraver, damask weaver, embroiderer…weaver…; they are able to do work of all kinds, and to do it with originality. END v. 35
