One of the earliest writers to associate with the apostles the symbolism of the gems given in Revelations is by Andreas, bishop of Caesurae. He gives a brief description of the stones, which is recounted in George F. Kunz's book The Curious Lore of Precious Stones (1913).
* The Sapphire is likened to the Heavens (from this stone is made a color popularly called lazur) and signifies St. Paul. Sapphire or Lapis Lazuli: The Hebrew name of Sappir. The sacred character of this stone was attested by the tradition that the Law given to Moses on the Mount was engraved on tablets of sapphire. *
Sapphire - (noun) 1. A clear hard variety of corundum used as a gemstone that is usually blue but may be any color except red. 2. A corundum gem. 3. The blue color of a gem sapphire. (Adjective) 1. Made of or resembling a gem sapphire. 2. Having the color of a blue sapphire.
Corundum is an aluminum oxide with a hardness of 9, second only to the diamond. The more valuable varieties of corundum come from Sri Lanka, Thailand, America, Cambodia, Burma, Australia, India, and Tanzania. Sapphires polish very well and have a nice luster. Sapphires are very valuable, often more expensive than diamonds. Sapphires are generally thought of as being blue, but they actually can be found in virtually every other color except red. If it's red, it's a ruby, because both sapphires and rubies are from the corundum family.
Gem lore tells us that Sapphire has long symbolized truth, sincerity, love, friendship, and faithfulness. 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.
The Hebrew name for sapphire is 'Sappir'. Many (including Andreas, bishop of Caesurae as recounted in George F. Kunz's book "The Curious Lore of Precious Stones") believe that the name also refers to lapis lazuli. Lapis has been worn since ancient times in the belief that lapis will protect the wearer from evil. 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 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. Lapis Lazuli is the source of a highly prized (and expensive) ultramarine pigment that was immortalized in paintings by the Renaissance Masters.
Because of the conflicting opinions regarding the stones described by Sappir, we have included both Lapis Lazuli and Genuine Blue Sapphire.