Sardius
Summary
A precious stone in the high priest's breastplate and foundation of the New Jerusalem, identified as the carnelian or sard—a red variety of chalcedony prized for gem engraving.
☩Biblical Occurrences
The sardius was one of the precious stones in the high priest's breastplate and among the ornaments of the king of Tyre. In Revelation, John saw Him on the heavenly throne appearing 'like a jasper and a sardine stone,' and the sixth foundation of the New Jerusalem was sardius. The Hebrew 'odem' derives from a root meaning 'to be red,' pointing to the stone's characteristic color.
☩Description
The sardius is now called carnelian (from 'carne,' flesh, for its color resembling raw flesh), a variety of chalcedony from the flint family. It ranges from bright red to honey-colored, always with some yellow mingling with red. The ancients named it sardius because Sardis in Lydia was where they first encountered it, though Babylonian stones were more valued. It was the most frequently engraved of all ancient gems, prized for its toughness, beauty, and ability to retain a high polish.
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sardius," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Sardius," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 3.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sardius," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 4.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sardius," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 5.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sardius," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 6.James Hastings (ed.), "Sardius," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).