Stones, Precious

Precious stones are mentioned throughout Scripture as symbols of beauty, wealth, and divine glory. Approximately twenty different gemstones are named in the Bible. Twelve gems, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel, adorned the high priest's breastplate (Ex. 28:17–20): sardius, topaz, carbuncle, emerald, sapphire, diamond, jacinth, agate, amethyst, beryl, onyx, and jasper. The exact identification of each stone with modern gemological categories is uncertain, as ancient gem nomenclature does not correspond directly to modern classification.

Precious stones figure in the wisdom literature as images of value surpassing earthly treasure (Prov. 3:15; 8:11; 20:15). In the prophetic literature they adorn the heavenly Jerusalem (Isa. 54:11–12; Ezek. 28:13), and Revelation's vision of the New Jerusalem is built with twelve foundation stones matching the breastplate gems (Rev. 21:19–20), symbolizing the perfection and beauty of the redeemed city of God.