Gemstones have played a crucial part in the development of human civilization. Kings and queens often honored them, and God and priests frequently bestowed blessings. Almost all of the world's significant faiths attribute heavenly powers and good fortune to certain gems. All the precious stones mentioned in the Bible are listed and described.

Amber

Amber is a symbol of God's majesty in judgment. It's organic, having been created from fossilized natural resigns. It comes in every conceivable hue of the rainbow—one of the stones the Holy Spirit gave to Moses to assist humankind.

Amethyst

In ancient times, the violet-blue stone was considered a holy stone due to its supposed ability to prevent the negative consequences of alcohol use. The Bible describes amethyst as the twelfth and final stone of the New Jerusalem's foundation.

Beryl

The eighth stone of the New Jerusalem's foundation was made of beryl. Because of its usefulness as a shield, it was often used to decorate breastplates. In the Bible, the word for "coral" means "to be lofty," hence the Bible refers to coral as a special symbol. For the time being, Africa, Sri Lanka, and the Indian Ocean provide most of the world's coral.

Diamond

A diamond-tipped pen was used to record Judaism's infamous transgression. Diamonds may be found along this line in the Bible. For the same reason, that diamond is the most complex natural material we know of. Sins, it was thought, were written in diamond by God as a permanent reminder.

Emerald

Many people consider this lush green diamond the most valuable of all time. Although not mentioned in the Bible, emerald was considered a sign of fertility in ancient Roman and Greek cultures. The Bible says it is a treasure.

Garnet

Garnet, a stunning blood-red gemstone and a popular alternative for ruby saved humanity throughout one of its darkest epochs. The Bible describes how Noah navigated the ark during the night by lighting a large garnet lantern.

Sapphire

The beautiful sapphire is the second of Jerusalem's seven foundation stones mentioned in Ezekiel. Even though no other recognized supply existed, diamonds and sapphires came from India.