Thus again it may be said that the entity should let that shield be a reminder to self to put on the whole armor of God, acquitting self as a good soldier; keeping that breastplate of righteousness, the feet shod as with good tidings ever.
1877-2
Extensive research into the exact identity of the stones in the breastplate still baffles scholars from all over the world. The challenge comes from several factors. First, the language translations over thousands of years presupposes that some meanings are bound to be lost or misinterpreted. Second, geological factors have to be considered as far as what mineral deposits are likely to occur in the areas where biblical history unfolded.
The biblical passages above were taken from the King James Version of the Bible. The New International Version offers an entirely different view of the stones in the breastplate:
“In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz and a beryl; in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and an emerald; in the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; in the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx and a jasper.”
As you can see, in this version, there are some discrepancies as ruby, turquoise, and chrysolite are mentioned. For that reason, and because there are so many versions of the Bible out now, each with a different interpretation of these stones, with each entry I have included all the possible identities for that particular stone and will discuss each one and share my opinion on the true identity. You can take a look and decide for yourself. The King James Version will always be listed first.
I wanted to include the listing of the tribes next to the stone that each represents, but that too leads to a scholarly debate and no two opinions are alike. The book of Numbers gives the name of each tribe as follows: Reuben, Simeon, Gad, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Manasseh (half-tribe), Benjamin, Dan, Asher, Naphtali, and Levi (priests). (Numbers 1:26-50)
Row One
Sardius/Sardonyx/Red Carnelian, Ruby
Scholars are split down the middle about the identity of the first stone of the breastplate. Historically, it has been known as sardius, another term for carnelian, yet today there are many people who believe ruby to be the true identity of this stone. This is a tough one to call because there are two ways to look at it.
First, ruby was actually named in two other places in the Bible, so in some respects I find it hard to believe the translation would not have been consistent throughout. On the other side of that argument, a book as old as the Bible that has been translated as many times as it has by so many different people could account for the discrepancy. Scholars who support ruby as the first breastplate stone do so because of geological factors and the likelihood of the stone being present in the area during that time in history.
Through muscle testing, I am inclined to believe the true identity of the first stone is ruby. You can decide for yourself.
Sardius/Sardonyx/Red Carnelian
SiO2
Carnelian or Sard
History and Healing Uses
Carnelian, also known as Sard or Sardonyx in ancient times, is one of the most important gemstones in history. It was used to adorn the robe of Sumerian Queen Pu-Abi in the third century B.C. Ancient Egyptians believed carnelian ensured the passage of the soul into the next world; Greeks and Romans used it to make cameos and carved rings; and Goethe said it brought good luck and protected people from evil.
I have found carnelian to be an amazing psychic protection stone. I wear it often when I am in large crowds of people so I do not pick up their energy or allow others energy to wear me down.
It is also great for allergies. This was reported to me by a friend who said it cleared up her sinuses, and later on a trip to Colorado where there tends to be a lot of pollen floating around, I was at a shop doing a workshop and handed a student a piece of carnelian. She immediately got a strange look on her face and when I asked her what was wrong she said, “Nothing’s wrong, I just can’t believe this! My nose started to clear up as soon as I held this stone.”
Some people find carnelian helps insomnia. I believe that is because of the protective nature of the stone. You can definitely sleep soundly when you know you are safe.
Vibrationally speaking, carnelian is the carrier of the orange ray, which activates and opens the second or sacral chakra. This means that it is a stone of creativity, sexuality, and material abundance.
Cayce Uses
Cayce never mentioned carnelian by its modern name, but did mention sardonyx to be used to enhance the vibration of one of his clients, and to describe a past life.
Sample Sardis/Sardonyx Readings
1528-1
Well that there be carried on the person the sardonyx stone (that is, in its semi-precious state); either in statuettes, pins, buttons, or a piece of same carried. Not as a protection but rather for the vibratory forces that influence the choices made by the mental forces of the entity itself.
294-148
Also in the land now known as Abyssinia, and those portions yet undiscovered or used in the upper lands of the river Nile, there were those mines of the precious stones—as onyx, beryl, sardis, diamond, amethyst, opal, and the pearls that came from the sea near what is now called Madagascar.
Ruby
Al2O3
History
Ruby is an amazing stone—one of the most powerful stones on our planet. It has graced the heads of kings and has been a favorite of many people for eons.
Ruby is vibrating at the same frequency as the red ray and is used for healing the heart both physically and emotionally. It is a stone of deep love and is a wonderful gift to give to those you love.
Ruby Zoisite—
AlO3Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH)
Ruby Zoisite ( also called anyolite) is a wonderful stone just emerging into the gem healing community. Deposits of ruby are being found inside a stone called zoisite, an interesting bright green mineral with black hornblende specks. The result is a stone that looks like a watermelon. Like all green and red stones, this one holds the amazing heart healing properties of ruby, amplified by the soothing green zoisite. Aside from its unusual beauty, this stone is particularly useful in treating physical ailments of the heart such as clogged arteries and angina.
Cayce Uses
Cayce said ruby imparts valor and strength to those who use it.
Sample Ruby Readings
630-2
Also there were in the experience those things that make for what is ordinarily termed or considered royalty; as brocaded goods, gold, laces, pearls, rubies, etc. And innately has the entity builded in itself visions of many of those things that pertained to the royal robes, the ermines, the large hooks and crooks that went with such, in the ways of walking and activity in the various relationships of groups and individuals.
2916-1
Peoples, things—their positions, their qualifications, interest the entity. The abilities as a judge of cloth, furs, and values, are a part of the entity’s experience from that material sojourn; also its interest in stones—especially pearls and rubies.
1144-2
These should be the colors about the entity, as should be the stones of the ruby and the pearl. For these have their influences; the purity of the pearl, though under stress it may come into being; the valor and the strength that is imparted in the inner influence of the ruby about the body.
531-3
The ruby would make for the body that not as something which would be other than the power that self attributes to same, through its actual experience, but the light or reflection from same (ruby) worn on hand or body, will enable the body to concentrate in its mental application the greater though the influences such a stone brings to material expression.
Biblical References
“She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not compared unto her.”
Proverbs 3:15
“For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.”
Proverb
s 8:11
Topaz, Chrysolite, Jade
There are so many different varieties of topaz, it is not unreasonable to assume it could be misinterpreted as chrysolite (modernly known as peridot) or jade. Jade is historically linked to China, although it is interesting to note the area known as Turkistan, or what is modernly called Turkey/Pakistan area, is famed for amazing jade deposits and has been heavily influenced by the Chinese. In fact, the west part of the Great Wall is known as Yu Min Guang, meaning Jade Gate, and faces the jade-producing Turkistan territory. If you have the opportunity to visit Turkey, or Asia Minor, you will see the Asian architectural influences there are still strong today. Therefore, the theory that jade could be a stone in the breastplate is certainly valid. My thoughts on this is that it may not be the replacement for topaz as various Bibles suggest, but could actually be a replacement for emerald, listed later in the breastplate.
Topaz
Al2SiO4(F,OH)2
History
Topaz comes from the Sanskrit word for “fire,” and has been used since ancient times. Ancient Egyptians believed it carried the golden rays of the sun god Ra, making it a particularly important protective amulet. The Greeks thought it could make a person invisible in times of danger, and topaz supposedly changed color to warn people if food or drink was poisoned.
The most famous and important topaz is a clear cut piece set in a crown of Portugal called the Braganza Diamond because this 1680 carat topaz was once mistaken for a diamond. The Smithsonian also has some huge faceted topaz specimens in the National Gem Collection worth seeing. Topaz is a tough stone, yet has the ability to easily fracture along cleavage points so great care must be taken during setting. Topaz ranges in color from light blue, green, yellow, and pink, depending on other minerals in the stone.
Topaz brings an energy of playfulness and joy into your life. Its bright pastel colors resonate with the season of spring, renewal, and hope. Use topaz any time you need to make a fresh start. It will give you the energy and clarity to make it a smooth and happy transition.
Cayce Uses
Once again, Cayce is recommending this stone for the vibrational benefit of the seeker. Topaz brings so much light and joy to people, it would surely lift the spirit of anyone who uses it.
Sample Topaz Readings
2120-1
These colors, as we find, are especially those that tend towards those of the opal, or the topaz, and in these—these; for the entity made same those of the scarabs that later became sacred to those peoples.
2281-1
Keep the topaz as a stone about thee always. Its beauty, its purity, its clarity, may bring to thee strength. For this ye have found, and will find oft needed in thy dealings with thy problems, and with thy fellow men.
Biblical References
“The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.” Job 28:19
Chrysolite/Peridot
(Mg,Fe)2SiO4
History
Egypt has long been known as a source for fine chrysolite, or peridot. These stones are formed through volcanic action deep within the earth and their history is as ancient as the fire that created them. Legend says that Cleopatra loved peridot and this stone, not emerald, adorned her jewelry.
I personally love peridot. I first began experimenting with it after a sixteen-hour-long car ride. I was guided to place the stone on my sacral chakra and within minutes I heard a slight crack and felt my back snap into place, relieving all tension. I call peridot the chiropractor of the mineral kingdom! When I first get stones, I don’t like to tell my friends what they do for me because I want to see what happens to them. Out of curiosity, I gave a piece of peridot to my good friend. Strangely, within a couple of days, she called me back and said the strangest thing had happened. The stone cracked her ankle and brought it back into alignment. The peridot is made of parts of the volcanic core of the earth. The crystals grow on this lava, and it is as if the lava is actually like the spine of mother earth. You may have heard people say that your body is merely a microcosm of all that is in the universe. In essence, the earth would be a bigger piece of that “all that is,” and I believe the peridot lines us up with the spine or core of our earth, and by doing that, you can become better aligned. It is an amazing stone!
Cayce Uses
Cayce recommended this stone to aid in depression, to quiet and calm worries, and to bring peace to the mind.
Sample Chrysolite Reading
1626-1
As to stones—rather of ivory, as may be with any colored stone; preferably the chrysolite or amethyst; should be a part of that which would be about the entity—because of the very natural vibrations for the entity. For they will bring as an attunement the quieting, and the entity will find that whenever there is a feeling of physical depression, physical reactions that are as dis-ease in the body, the colors in any of these natures or forms will bring quietness to the body; as in having about the body the chrysolite or the amethyst color, in cloth, in drapery, in hangings.
688-2
[It is] Well that the entity have the stones or minerals about self when in periods of meditation, or in those periods when it may find itself the more easily attuned to the influences that may use the body, either in the healing forces that flow through—through its attunements, or through the visions and the associations of the entity; [have] the chrysolite or the amethyst. For the color purple should be close to the body; and the perfumes or odors as of lavender have their influence—not as in great quantity, but [in] that [quantity] which makes for attunements.
Jade
NaAlSi2O6
History
Jade, or Jadeite or Nephrite as it is also known, has always been an important stone in Asian culture and mythology with a history dating back over 6,000 years to the Neolithic Age. Jade was used for tools, eating utensils, weapons, and even currency and burning jade was part of ancient burial and cremation rites for rulers. The Chinese Rabbit is said to grind jade into an immortality potion. A giant mythological bird died and transformed into jade. Chinese emperors used jade as a communication device to the gods, and believed jade was the essence of heaven and earth, the messenger of the gods. Because of that, it was carved into statues and worshipped. Confucius said jade had several virtues including benevolence, fidelity, wisdom, and sincerity.
Jade was revered in other cultures as well. Ancient Aztecs believed jade acted as the heart for a deceased person after crossing into the afterlife. Recently, there have been several deposits of jade turning up in South America—Guatemala, in particular.
I acquired a piece of the Guatemalan jade from the guys who actually discovered this new huge piece a few years ago. I put it in the center of the home to attract harmony and abundance. I also used some tumbled pieces of jade at night to help me sleep. Jade is a journey stone, so if you decide to use it as a sleep aid, you may find it will help you in other-dimensional travels. That’s what happened to me. I found myself out at some ruins looking at petroglyphs. The “dream” seemed more than just a dream. There is a theory that if you are dreaming and looking out your own eyes at a scene, that means you are actually astral projecting or visiting another dimension. For me, the quality of such dreams is different, as is the case when I use jade. Try it! It is really interesting.
Jade will also bring harmony and wealth to your home when used ornamentally. I keep a jade dragon above the front door of the house to call in abundance vibrations and provide protection. I also have several Asian carvings with good fortune emblems on them in the corners of the house.
Cayce Uses
Jade brings a calm dignity to those who wear it and was recommended to such souls in the life readings.
Sample Jade Readings
1189-1
About the entity we find unusual characters, that may be called hieroglyphics. We find jade as combined with pearls unusual in their effect upon the entity, especially in moods.
1189-1
The entity
was among those who came under the periods of destructive forces to the physical structure of the school, yet later when there were the establishings of the teachings in the “city in the hills and the plain” the entity gave forth in those activities that make for the influence of the vibrations from jade and pearls in the experience in the present.
2506-1
Hence all forms of jade, of jewelry, of things of filigree, of peculiar odors, and the needs of such for the entity to even rest physically at times, become a part of the entity’s experience.
2522-1
(Q) Any special jewelry that I should wear?
(A) Anything that is jade or green; not opals, however. Though these appear in the seal, they are—as self—sometimes fickle.
Carbuncle/Garnet, Beryl, Emerald, Agate
Carbuncle is a word used to describe a precious stone. It is written about in a short story called “The Adventures of the Blue Carbuncle” in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series. Carbuncle is modernly referred to as garnet, but the term had previously been used to describe rubies and sapphires, as well, primarily because it was not until the early 1900s that ruby was correctly identified as a stone separate from garnet. In fact, the two are not related at all, yet people in ancient times could not tell them apart. It was quite a shock to discover that ruby’s sister was not garnet, but the beautiful blue sapphire. Garnet is the most likely stone of all those listed above. How the beryl, emerald, and agate got into the translation is beyond my understanding.
Garnet
Mg3Al 2(SiO4)3
History
Garnet refers to an entire family of minerals that have an aluminum silicate base. They vary in color from red to green depending on the mineral content. The word Garnet comes from the Latin word “granatus” meaning seed or grain. Aside from its place in the Bible, Garnet has had an important past for many cultures. Primitive garnet jewelry dating as far back as the Bronze Age (3000 B.C.) was discovered, as well as in ancient Egypt, Sumeria, and Sweden. Egyptians believed garnet should be placed inside the tomb to light the way into the afterlife, and was later to have aided Noah to illuminate his path in the ark. King Solomon wore garnet in battle for protection.
Edgar Cayce Guide to Gemstones, Minerals, Metals, and More Page 10
