what are the 12 precious stones

Natashya

3 min read

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22-12-2024

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The term "precious stones" often evokes images of dazzling sparkle and timeless beauty. But what exactly constitutes a precious stone? And which twelve gems hold that coveted title? While there's no single definitive list universally agreed upon, the traditional "twelve precious stones" are typically associated with those mentioned in the biblical Book of Revelation. This list, however, is often expanded upon to include other gems valued for their rarity, beauty, and durability.

The Traditional Twelve Precious Stones of Revelation

The Book of Revelation (21:19-20) describes the twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem, each adorned with a precious stone. These stones, while interpreted differently across various translations and interpretations, generally include:

1. Jasper: Known for its vibrant colors and waxy luster, Jasper comes in a wide variety of hues and patterns.
2. Sapphire: A stunning blue gemstone, Sapphire is prized for its deep color and clarity.
3. Chalcedony: A broad category encompassing many cryptocrystalline quartz varieties, often displaying banded or mottled patterns.
4. Emerald: The deep green gemstone, Emerald, is a variety of beryl and treasured for its rich color and brilliance.
5. Sardonyx: A layered chalcedony with bands of red and brown, Sardonyx is known for its striking appearance.
6. Carnelian: A translucent to opaque variety of chalcedony, Carnelian ranges in color from orange-red to brownish-red.
7. Chrysolite: This term often refers to Peridot, a yellowish-green gemstone valued for its vibrant hue.
8. Beryl: Beryl is a mineral that includes several varieties of gemstones like Emerald and Aquamarine.
9. Topaz: Topaz is available in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, and blue.
10. Chrysoprase: A beautiful apple-green gemstone that is a variety of chalcedony.
11. Jacinth: This term is sometimes used interchangeably with Hyacinth, a reddish-orange gemstone, or even with other red gems.
12. Amethyst: The purple variety of quartz, Amethyst is a popular and widely appreciated gemstone.

Beyond the Biblical List: Expanding the Definition of Precious Stones

While the twelve stones of Revelation offer a historical and symbolic perspective, the gemological world often uses different criteria for classifying precious stones. Gemstones are often categorized based on factors like:

• Rarity: How infrequently a gemstone is found in nature.
• Durability: A gem's resistance to scratching and chipping (measured by Mohs Hardness Scale).
• Beauty: Subjective, but often based on factors like color, clarity, and brilliance.
• Demand: How much the market desires a particular gemstone.

Based on these factors, many other gemstones could be considered precious, including:

• Diamond: The hardest naturally occurring substance, known for its exceptional brilliance and fire.
• Ruby: A red variety of corundum, Rubies are renowned for their intense color and rarity.
• Sapphire (various colors): While blue sapphire is on the biblical list, other colors like pink, yellow, and green are also considered precious.
• Opal: Known for its spectacular play-of-color, Opal's unique iridescence makes it a highly sought-after gemstone.
• Alexandrite: A rare variety of chrysoberyl that changes color depending on the light source.