Chrysolite

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Gemstones in the Bible
Amethyst   -   Beryls   -   Diamond
Emerald   -   Jacinth   -   Jasper   -   Lapis Lazuli
Onyx   -   Ruby   -   Sapphire   -   MORE!
Chrysolite is the seventh precious stone, mentioned in the Bible, 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 the Bible.

Chrysolite 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 the Bible used for comparison purposes in this series translate the word as "chrysolite."

Gem Folklore

The 1906 Jewish Encyclopedia, in its article on the Ark of the Covenant, states the following Islamic tradition regarding the relationship between this holy container and certain gemstones.

"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."

Chrysolite Gemstone

The golden yellow color of this gem 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.

Chrysolite 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).

Recommended Articles
Why Do Animals Symbolize Kingdoms?
Does the Ark of the Covenant Still Exist?
When Did a Demon Do God a Favor?
Why Church on Sunday?
Who Made the Ark of the Covenant?
How Did Apostle Paul Fight Ignorance?
How to Get Rid of Evil Spirits!
Will the Devil Live Forever?

Biblical Gemstones
Introduction
Agate    -    Carbuncle    -    Carnelian
Chalcedony     -     Chrysoprase
Coral     -     Pearl    -    Peridot
Rock Crystal    -    Topaz     -     Turquoise
High Priest Breastplate Gems
New Jerusalem Gemstones

Series References
1913 Catholic Encyclopedia
Curious Lore of Precious Stones, 1913 ed.
Diamonds, Pearls and Precious Stones, 1913 ed.
Gemstones in the Breastplate, 2008 ed.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
United States Geological Survey
Gemdat.org - Mindat.org - Wikipedia


Quotes in this series taken from
Holy Bible in Its Original Order
unless noted.


Some images used in this
series are courtesy of the
Smithsonian Minerals, Gems Collection.