The second Foundation Stone of New Jerusalem.

Our modern term sapphire comes from the Greek ‘sapphiros’ which is from the Hebrew ‘sapir’ (or ‘sappir’). The term sapphire appears many times in the Bible, however, the stone we associate with sapphire today was not known in Bible lands until the Roman Empire (300 BC). Initially, they were considered forms of jacinth. The ‘sapphiros’ of the Bible is described by historian Elder Pliny as “refulgent with spots like gold. It is also of an azure color...the best kind being that which comes from Media. In no case, however, is this stone transparent.” Also, Theophratus (372-287BC) describes “sappir spotted with gold.” These characteristics more accurately describe lapis lazuli, and not the sapphire of today.

The gemstone, sapphire, that we know today is the blue, translucent variety of corundum. The sapphire gets its blue color from small amounts of iron and titanium and ranges from a pale, ice blue to deep cobalt blue. Kashmir, India was one of the earliest sources of fine sapphires. These mines produced a cornflower blue sapphire to which all other sapphires are compared.

Ancient Persians believed sapphires gave heaven its blue color, and some believed that the heavens formed a huge sapphire to act as a support for the earth, and its reflection colored the sky. Tradition holds that Moses was given the ten commandments on tablets of sapphire, making it the most sacred gemstone. Because sapphires represent divine favor, they were the gemstone of choice for kings and high priests. The British Crown Jewels are full of large blue sapphires, the symbol of pure and wise rulers. Since sapphire symbolizes sincerity and faithfulness, it is an excellent choice for an engagement ring. When Prince Charles chose a sapphire engagement ring for Princess Diana, couples all over the world were inspired to revive this venerable tradition.

Lapis Lazuli is a beautiful, rich ultramarine-blue stone consisting largely of lazurite and speckled with yellow pyrite. Lapis was one of the most sought after and prized stones of ancient times. It was used for jewelry, ornamentation, seals, and amulets. It was also used extensively for inlaying. Egyptian blue paint was made from finely ground lapis. This stone has been found in abundance in archaeological digs of ancient civilizations, including King Tut’s tomb which held many beautiful specimens of lapis jewelry dating to 1350 BC. Lapis Lazuli is the source of a highly prized (and expensive) ultramarine pigment that was immortalized in paintings by the Renaissance Masters. Mines in Afghanistan have been producing gem lapis lazuli for nearly 5000 years and are still the world’s largest producer of the material.

Lapis has been worn since ancient times in the belief that lapis will protect the wearer from evil. Many ancient civilizations prized lapis lazuli; To them, the stone had religious significance and reflected the high status of their rulers. It was used by the ancient Egyptians in many religious ceremonies, and was often used as an inscription stone for various passages from the Book of the Dead. “In ancient Sumer,” writes Scott Cunningham in his Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic, “lapis lazuli has timeless associations” with royalty and deities. The stone was said to contain “the soul of the deity, who would ‘rejoice in its owner.’” In the Middle Ages, it was thought to keep the limbs healthy and free the soul from error, envy and fear. It was also said to impart ancient knowledge, and the wisdom to use it. Today, some people associate lapis lazuli with wisdom, love, creativity, and healing and claim it nurtures and promotes psychic ability or inner-sight.

Many scholars (including Andreas, bishop of Caesurae as recounted in George F. Kunz's book ‘The Curious Lore of Precious Stones’) believe that the ‘sapphire’ in the Bible refers to lapis lazuli. The ‘sapphire’ signifies St. Paul.

Because of the conflicting opinions regarding the stones described by sapir, we have included both Lapis Lazuli and Genuine Blue Sapphire. Also see Jacinth. Since the sapphire was considered a jacinth in that area at that time, it is possible that a sapphire was used.