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Chrysolite
Gemstones in the Bible
Chrysolite is the seventh precious stone used to create the
foundation of God's New Jerusalem (Revelation
21:20).
Our English word is derived from the Greek word chrusolithos (Strong's Concordance #G5555).
This word occurs only once in the entirety of Scripture.
This gemstone is not mentioned either as being embedded in
the High Priest's breastplate (Exodus
28:17-21, with parallel list in Exodus 39:10-13) or as one that Lucifer was created with (Ezekiel 28:13).
Strong's
defines chrusolithos as
a gold or yellow-colored gemstone ("gold stone").
Thayer's
lexicon says it is golden colored.
All
ten versions of Scripture used for comparison purposes in this series translate
the word as "chrysolite."
Chrysolite Folklore
The 1906 Jewish Encyclopedia states the following tradition
regarding chrysolite's relationship with the Ark of the Covenant.
"Others
said that there was in the Ark a figure of chrysolite or ruby with the head and
tail of a shecat and with two wings. It would utter a moaning sound, and the
Ark would rush toward the enemy with the Israelites following it. When it
stayed, they stood and were at ease, and victory came" (article "Ark of the
Covenant").
The
Chrysolite's color of golden yellow was associated with the sun and Sunday.
A
donkey engraved on the gem gave the wearer the ability to predict the future.
On
the other hand, if a vulture was etched on the stone it gave the person who
possessed it the power to control demons and the winds.
This
gemstone was also thought to dispel various "terrors" of the night but
only if it was worn in a setting of gold (Curious
Lore of Precious Stones, pages 66 - 67, 133).
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