Revelation Chapter 21 details the composition of the foundation for the city walls for the New Jerusalem, part of the New Heaven-New Earth dispensation following the end times battle of Armageddon in the Christian bible. There are 12 crystals named specifically in the text. Let’s examine the clues to discover why they were chosen to adorn the walls of this alchemical city.
19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. (Revelation of St. John Chapter 21: 19-20)
First - Jasper
The text describes the foundations of the wall of the city being constructed in layers of precious stones. Jasper is the chosen material for the base layer.
Jasper is most commonly a combination of red, yellow, brown and/or green. It is a waxy, slightly opaque gem with a vitreous lustre. It is a member of the quartz class and it has a hexagonal structure. It contains a large amount of silica and iron oxide and the name means “speckled stone”. Jasper is rarely pure. Inclusions of banded hematite, basanite, quartz and chert are common in a stone we would call “jasper”. Volcanic ash is thought to be the contributor of the large amounts of silica that comprises this stone.
Wikipedia makes the observation that in the ancient world what they called “jasper” was often clear and green. I followed this trail and found that prior to WWI Jasper was called the “rain bringer” and was associated with the color green.
The gods propitious hearken to his prayers, Whoe’er the polished grass-green jasper wears; His parched glebe they’ll satiate with rain, And send for shower to soak the thirsty plain. (4th century poem, Lithica)
Jasper was used extensively in amulets and talismans of the ancient world. It was even reputed to draw out snake venom and other toxins when applied directly to the wound, not by absorption but by magnetic attraction.
Second - Sapphire
Believed to stimulate wisdom and mental acuity, sapphire is the stone of deep contemplation. Its blue depths foster intuitive faculties, promoting inner calm, focus, and spiritual awareness. It can also be used to break negative energies of dark thoughts. Sapphire facilitates communication, self-expression, and the embodiment of truth.
In elemental lore, sapphire's aqueous vibrancy aligns it with the properties of water. Like cleansing waves washing over the shore, this gem instills tranquility and balance, invigorating the mind and emotions. Sapphire activates the throat chakra, the energetic center of communication, enhancing one's ability to articulate insights with clarity and eloquence.
Alchemically, sapphire signifies the sanctity and perfection of the celestial sphere or the crystalline dome. Its purity was thought to transmute base energies into enlightened states of being. Sapphire symbolized the alchemists' Magnum Opus - the transformation of shadow into light, ignorance into wisdom, and suffering into bliss.
Third - Chalcedony
Composed of microscopic quartz crystals, chalcedony nurtures a quiet wisdom - one that resonates with inner tranquility and emotional stability. As a quartz, chalcedony shares universal metaphysical properties of energy amplification, programmability, and manifestation.
Regarded as a sacred stone by ancient cultures, chalcedony is associated with transmutation and mysticism. Native Americans believed it held the spirits of ancestors, metaphysically connecting the generations. Chalcedony is a stone of calm and peace, reducing anxiety, anger, and obsessive or addictive tendencies. It promotes mental flexibility and the ability to see things from a different perspective.
Aligned with the element of water, chalcedony encourages fluidity in life. This stone dissipates rigidity and friction and fosters emotional balance, compassion, and benevolence towards self and others. Chalcedony stimulates focus, drive, and determination, while tempering fanaticism with wisdom and restraint.
With its gentle energy, chalcedony aligns with the higher chakras, especially the third eye and crown. It opens us up to higher consciousness, intuition, and cosmic wisdom. In healing, it is particularly beneficial for the mind and emotions. I have a piece sitting next to me right now and she is always nearby when I’m performing any sacred rites, rituals or readings.
Fourth - Emerald
Emerald is THE stone of abundant growth, vitality and prosperity, long been revered for its captivating green radiance and metaphysical properties. It is a variety of beryl, holding and channeling the organic energy of nature—stimulating renewal on physical, emotional and spiritual levels.
It is the stone of the heart chakra, emerald assists in opening to self-love, compassion and intimate connection in relationships. Its green sheen brings harmony to the mind and emotions, dissolving negativity and nurturing forgiveness. It is an important ally in your work to heal traumas of the past. Emerald spirit helps us live in the present moment with an open heart.
Associated with the element of earth, emerald promotes groundedness, stability and manifestation of abundance. It enhances focus and strengthens the will, bringing ideas into manifested, material form. It is one of the primary stones of vision (being a member of the Beryl family), it stimulates creativity and imagination with the goal of fostering adventurous experience.
Linked to prosperity and success since antiquity, emerald promotes life-force, growth and self-actualization—a fancy of saying manifesting the self you desire to experience. It rejects inertia and fear of scarcity, activating the flow of prosperity on both the material and spiritual planes.
Fifth - Sardonyx
Sardonyx creates an energetic shield against negative influences and psychic attack. It absorbs destructive vibrations and transmutes them into a repellant force. Sardonyx promotes courage, confidence and discipline to weather life's challenges.
By enhancing willpower and motivation, sardonyx grants focused dedication to achieving goals. Its grounding energy combats ruminating, overthinking and self-doubt. It is associated with the element of fire — promoting practical action to manifest dreams into reality.
Sardonyx curbs an impetuous tongue. It stimulates tact, diplomacy and persuasive communication. It sharpens the wit and aids in negotiations, contracts, and business matters. By enhancing public speaking skills, sardonyx empowers the throat chakra and it’s defensive properties are excellent in working with root fear.
Sixth - Sardius (Red Carnelian)
Sardis represents blood, so it’s no coincidence it’s the 6th layer…Adam & Eve were created on the 6th day. Fiery and bold, carnelian gleams with the life-giving energies in vibrant orange-red hues. It’s a variety of chalcedony quartz and carries the same potent properties for creation, motivation, and vigor of spirit.
As the stone of individuality and courage, carnelian greatly empowers the first three chakras - the centers of security, creativity, and personal power. It builds confidence and determination, overcoming fear and apathy. Associated with the ancient element of fire, carnelian boosts passion, sexuality, and primal life force.
Blood red carnelian gifts charisma and leadership skills for success in career and relationships. Carnelian also protects against envy and rage from others, fire and earth are the most protective of the elemental allies.
Carnelian improves logic and clarifies perception. It despises and dispels emotional drama making it an invaluable ally in neutralizing the never ending assault on our sensibilities.