There’s a reason you don’t hear a lot about those Breastplate stones. The first row was ruby, chrysolite, and beryl; the second row was turquoise, sapphire and emerald; the third row was jacinth, agate, and amethyst; the fourth row was topaz, onyx, and jasper. Ready to learn how to identify gems on your own? However, the classical Greek name huakinthos (Rev 21:20) appears to have been our blue sapphire. Information about each stone is listed on the back of the box. Nevertheless, the Septuagint, the Greek Old Testament, uses huakinthos for the Hebrew tekelet in all the descriptions of the Tabernacle furnishings. What are its Uses? Next you can see that 4 stones are mentioned in the bible only 3 times, 2 stones are mentioned 4 times, 1 stone is mentioned 7 times and finally 2 stones are mentioned a total of 11 times. Even Tanzanite, which was only discovered in 1967, is already said to be useful to expectant mothers. In addition, the stones were used to find God’s will in a particular situation. Scholar Josephus realized that the number twelve has huge significance. It may surprise you that the history of birthstones has its roots all the way back in the Bible. Jan 11, 2012 - Zen Cart! Hebrew Bible. This is Row 3 of the list of 12 stones. Choosing a Ring Style, Setting, and Metal, the foundation stones of the New Testament, Discover the 17 practical steps to gemstone identification (even if you’re just getting started with gemology), Learn how you can use specific tools to gather data, make observations & arrive at an accurate ID. The first academic research of the Breastplate was carried out by Roman scholar Titus Flavius Josephus (c.37-100AD), who apart from having a fabulous name, studied the twelve gemstones of Aaron’s Breastplate, and compiled the first list of Birthstones based on his findings. Zircon is a natural, magnificent, and underrated gemstone that has been worn and treasured since ancient times.…, Although many gems show a cat’s eye effect, when the term “cat’s eye” is used alone, it always refers to the rare gemstone chrysoberyl.…, Mermaid sapphires are the rarest type of teal sapphires. These 12 stones also symbolized the 12 months of the year and the 12 … There’s a reason you don’t hear a lot about those Breastplate stones. Next you can see that 4 stones are mentioned in the bible only 3 times, 2 stones are mentioned 4 times, 1 stone is mentioned 7 times and finally 2 stones are mentioned a total of 11 times. This priestly breastplate was sacred. The International Gem Society (IGS) is the world's top resource for gem professionals, enthusiasts, and industry content. © “Zircon Octahedral Crystal” by candiru is licensed under CC By 2.0. Some scholars have attempted to establish a relationship between the 12 stones in Aaron’s breastplate, the 12 months of the year, and the 12 signs in the zodiac; however, there is no evidence of this in Scripture. 12The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates. The Ephod was the apron and the Breastplate was the square metallic piece attached to the EPHOD and contained 12 precious and semi-precious stones arranged in rows and columns. Each stone had one of the twelve tribes of Israel engraved on it. The gems were arranged in four rows and three columns.7. Up until that point, you would try and own all twelve and change them every month. Interesting subjects, aren’t they? They are, in the 1st row, carnelian, chrysolite, and emerald; in the 2nd row, turquoise, sapphire, and amethyst; in the 3rd row, jacinth, agate, and crystal; in the 4th ro… It contained the ‘Urim’ and ‘Thummim’, two stones used to determine God’s will. This priestly breastplate was sacred. Have you ever wondered where the idea of birthstones comes from? In these cases, the name apparently refers to a deep yellow gem, possibly our zircon. Terms of Use In fact, the King James Version of the Bible contains an astonishing 1,704 references to gemstones. This gemstone has been prized for its bright, blue color and used for inlay…, Few gems have held our attention over millennia as well as sapphire. The details surrounding them are quite enigmatic.… As we all navigate these challenging times together we wanted to let you know you we are making changes to protect our Gemporia partners, while we remain here for you. There's still some items in your basket! He recorded differences in physical properties between gems, including differences in specific gravity, hardness and form, revealing that gemstones couldn’t only be classified by their color and opacity. The part where Bible explains crystals is in Exodus where God commands to create a breastplate of judgment with 12 gemstones representing the 12 tribes. The names of the twelve tribes were to be engraved on each stone. Affiliate Disclosure gem ID checklist tutorial. Together, we can help protect our team in line with the latest advice from HM government. Gem-stones are used in this example, the exact color of the stones is not known since stones can vary greatly in their colors. Here is God’s command to Moses. around the world who are all stake-holders in the global gemstone community is an on-going concern. This is Row 3 of the list of 12 stones. Most famously, perhaps, is Amethyst’s supposed ability to protect from drunkenness. I’d love to have some feedback on the identity of the gemstones of the breastplate of Aaron. Different stones … Our team are the owners and their financial security, along with the security of the thousands of miners, lapidarists, etc. The Stones of the Breastplate. Discover the common ingredients in some miracle…, Almandine is perhaps the most common garnet species. I figure that chrysolite is chrysoberyl, the crystal is clear quartz, and the beryl is probably aquamarine. Choshen, the breastplate, first worn by the High Priest Aaron, and subsequently worn by every High Priest in the Temple while performing holy duties. The twelve stones in the breastplate of the ancient Hebrew high priest can now be identified, with the corresponding tribes of Israel. Learn more. Please add some text to an area before continuing, First time on our website? In this sculpture in the Santa Maria del Rosario Church in Venice, Italy, Aaron is depicted wearing the priestly breastplate with the gems arranged in four rows of three. It is my opinion that the “chrysolite” in the breastplate of Aaron is not chrysoberyl at all. So, this breastplate is of great interest to jewelry lovers. The list of gemstones in the Breastplate varies in every version of Exodus. In the King James Version, however, different gems are listed. Scholar Flavius Josephus from first century A.D. and St. Jerome from fifth century A.D. first realized the connection between the 12 stones in the Breastplate of Aaron and the 12 … These gems were familiar to people in this region at that time. The second focal point of the breastplate were the 12 gemstones of Exodus 28:17-21 that were on the front, which lay over the heart of the High Priest. In addition to the 12 stones mounted on the breastplate were two sardonyx stones fixed in gold settings on the shoulders of the High Priest. A first-century Jewish historian made a connection between these 12 stones, the 12 months of the year, and the 12 signs of the Zodiac —although no such connection exists in the Bible. fourth The Manner of obtaining Responses from Heaven in ancient Times, by Means of the twelve precious Stones called Urim and Thummim. For our community of passionate collectors, Gemporia is a source of comfort and joy and has been for many years. Exodus 28:17-20 states, "There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes." Some gemstones’ names have become associated with completely different stones over the years. That seems to be implied in the text. Learn how to get started with the International Gem Society’s guide to gemstone identification. Having seen what was signified by the twelve precious stones in the breast-plate of Aaron, we now come to explain the manner in … On top of the Ephod there is the square breastplate, with the twelve precious stones. The Breastplate was to be suspended by two chains of pure gold coming from the golden ouches, or sockets, In which the onyx stones of the shoulders were. Although jacinth or hyacinth is named as one of the gemstones of the breastplate of Aaron, its gemological identity is uncertain. The part where Bible explains crystals is in Exodus where God commands to create a breastplate of judgment with 12 gemstones representing the 12 tribes. The breastplate was composed of folded cloth, in which were lodged twelve precious stones, in four rows of three, each stone containing the name of one of the tribes. The twelve precious stones with which the breastplate was decorated contained the names of the twelve tribes; each name being fully engraved on one stone, in order that, when the high priest came before Him, God might be mindful … ‘Carbuncle’ was used in the Bible for all red gems, particularly Garnets, but it could also be used for coal or charcoal! Each of the stones had the name of a tribe of Israel engraved on it. The Ephod was the apron and the Breastplate was the square metallic piece attached to the EPHOD and contained 12 precious and semi-precious stones arranged in rows and columns.   |   Since various ancient writers refer to hyacinthus as some shade of blue, there can be little question that jacinth is our sapphire. Social: In these times of social distancing we are fortunate that you continue to spend your valuable time with us. In fact, it is only really since the work of Georgius Agricola (1494-1555) that gemstones have begun to be properly understood. Privacy Policy Gemstones of Aaron's Breastplate: Simulated Stones - Gemstones of Aaron's Breastplate: Simulated stones is a recreation of what the stones of Aaron's Breastplate mentioned in Exodus 28:15-21 probably looked like. 2021 We now call this gem Lapis Lazuli and know the flecks of gold are actually iron pyrite, also known as ‘fool’s gold’. amethyst In Exodus 28:19, 'the ligure, agate, and amethyst' signify the spiritual love of good, or the internal good of the spiritual kingdom. There is unfortunately no agreement on what the gems in the Breastplate actually were, but the most comprehensive studies suggest that they may have been (1st row) Carnelian, Peridot and Emerald, (2nd row) Garnet, Lapis Lazuli and Quartz, (3rd row) Yellow Zircon, Banded Agate and Amethyst, (4th row) Citrine, Onyx and Green Jasper. Exodus 28 describes it this way: "You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, the work of a skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen you shall make it. The breast-plate was covered by 12 stones. Accessibility Statement, Join our mailing list below to download a And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. A common question I am hearing these days is: What about those stones on the Breastplate? These are simulated stones, not real stones. The details surrounding them are quite enigmatic.… It was worn by the High Priest of the Israelites. Aaron's ceremonial breastplate held four rows of three stones each. Used to communicate with God, the Breastplate was originally worn by Aaron, elder brother of Moses. Before this time, the names used for most gems were wildly inaccurate. I’d love to have some feedback on the identity of the gemstones of the breastplate of Aaron. Your continued company has humbled us and reinforced for us how precious our community is. Create a new account. Aaron's breastplate Twelve stones each set in a gold setting placed on a piece of material, (cloth), nine inches square. These days the blue variety of corundum is known as ‘Sapphire’. Explore a range of gemological tests… not only will you get familiar with the process but also time-saving shortcuts. 13There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south, and three on the west. Be the first to find out about special TV showcases, exclusive sales A first-century Jewish historian made a connection between these 12 stones, the 12 months of the year, and the 12 signs of the Zodiac —although no such connection exists in the Bible. What Is Aquamarine - Gemstone Facts and Information, Gem Lingo - An A To Z of Common Jewelry Terms, How To Find Out Her Ring Size Without Her Knowing, Argyle Diamond Mine Closure: A Unique Online Event, What Is Topaz - Gemstone Facts and Information. The biblical term “sapphire” was not always the sapphire we know today. (Exodus 28:17-21, KJV) Each translation uses different words for the stones of the Ephod. The twelve stones in the breastplate correspond to the original twelve sons of Jacob, not to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, which were later adopted as sons, effectively doubling the inheritance for their father Joseph. The pure blue colors and excellent durability of this gem-quality member of…, The modern August birthstone, peridot has been prized as a jewelry stone since ancient times. Scholars trace the origin of birthstones back to the Breastplate of Aaron described in the Bible in the book of Exodus. 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