It's notable that the exact identity of a few stones mentioned in Exodus 28 and Revelation 21 are uncertain and differ from translation to translation. Since many of the stones are now contemporary birthstones, I will highlight them in the months in which they correspond, not necessarily in the order they are mentioned in scripture.
Ruby is the red variety of corundum known as the 'King of Gemstones'. In the Sanskrit language Ruby is called 'ratnaraj', which does in fact translate as 'King of Gemstones'. The actual name 'Ruby' was derived from the Latin word 'rubens' meaning 'red'. Ruby was the first stone in the first row (a cornerstone) in the Breastplate of Aaron and represented the tribe of Judah.
Carnelian is a reddish-brown mineral which is commonly used as a semi-precious gemstone. The word carnelian is derived from the Latin word caro, carnis meaning flesh, in reference to the flesh color sometimes exhibited. Carnelian was used widely during Roman times to make engraved gems for signet or seal rings for imprinting a seal with wax on correspondence or other important documents because hot wax does not stick to Carnelian. Carnelian is a variety of the silica mineral chalcedony, colored by impurities of iron oxide. The color can vary greatly, ranging from pale orange to an intense almost-black coloration. Carnelian will decorate the sixth foundation of the New Jerusalem and represent the apostle Bartholomew.
Two interesting attributes shared by both of these gems are: 1) their membership in the trigonal crystal system, which is one of the seven crystal systems, both of which were mentioned in the previous post on Ruby and 2) their color - red.
In the previous post on Ruby, I shared how the color of Ruby reminds of the Blood of Jesus, and that it's Sanskrit name 'ratnaraj' (translated "King of Gemstones') also reminds of the 'King of Kings'. Now we see that Ruby's placement in the Breastplate of Aaron represented the tribe of Judah, AND is a cornerstone. In Matthew Chapter 1, the lineage of Jesus is listed beginning with Judah. The first ever prophecy of the coming of Jesus, the Lion of Judah, and his never-ending Kingdom appears in Genesis 49:8-12. The reference was made by Jacob on his deathbed. Revelation 5:8-10 and 6:12-17 declare Jesus as the Lion of Judah. Zechariah 10:4 states "From Judah will come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler" and 1Peter 2:6, "For in Scripture (a reference to Isaiah 28:16) it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." So again, in looking back at the construction of the Breastplate of Aaron, we see God using 'signs' that point to Jesus Christ.
Carnelian will represent the apostle Bartholomew in the 6th foundation of the New Jerusalem. It's interesting to note here that the Latin root for the word 'carnelian' means 'flesh' (in reference to color sometimes exibited) and that the means of martyrdom for Bartholomew was by flaying (skinned alive), then crucified head downward, by order of an enraged Astyages, for having converted his brother, Polymius, King of Armenia. The flayed Bartholomew can be seen holding his own flesh in Michelangelo's Sistine painting of the Last Judgement. A statue by Marco d'Agrate from 1562 portrays much the same sight. It would seem fitting that the gem whose name means 'flesh' would forever memorialize the apostle who lost his own flesh for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Again, these red stones should serve as a reminder to us all of the price that has been paid for our salvation, and for the furthering of The Gospel.
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