The Science in the Bible

Entry 88 · Section 9: Living World

Twelve Stones

The high priest's breastpiece displays 12 engraved stones in four ordered rows of three within gold settings.

Scripture: Ex 28:17–20; Rev 21:19–20

Mineralogy

Illustrative reconstruction of the high priest's breastpiece with twelve engraved stones in four rows of three and gold settings. Several gemstone identifications remain uncertain.
Illustrative reconstruction of the high priest's breastpiece with twelve engraved stones in four rows of three and gold settings. Several gemstone identifications remain uncertain.

The question

Which ancient stone names can be matched securely to modern minerals?

Why it matters

Modern gemstone names can mislead because ancient labels were based on appearance, use, and trade rather than modern chemistry.

Suggest a correction or new direction
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