Lapis Lazuli is very likely the “sapphire” mentioned in the Bible, as concurrent sources describe it with streaks of gold (pyrite). Actual sapphires, sourced in India at first, were not known to the area until the Roman Empire. It would therefore be both one of the stones of the breastplate of Aaron and one of the foundation stones of Revelation’s New Jerusalem. It is used throughout the Old Testament as a sign of both immense beauty and riches.

 

Goldstone is actually no stone, but a glittering glass infused with copper. Sometimes called monkstone from folklore associating its creation with a monastic order, it is also at times called gold sandstone.

 

Czech has a rich tradition of Bohemian glass making centered in the region of Jablonec nad Nissou. It is known both for its high quality of workmanship and for its distinctive, often vivid use of color. 

 

Blue is the color most associated with heaven and the most used color in the Tabernacle of the Temple. The Virgin Mary often wears blue in her apparitions, and it is the color of God’s divine grace.

 

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