Realia:Stones of the Choshen/0

Stones of the Choshen

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Overview

The twelve stones of the choshen are named in Shemot 28:17-20. However, since the verses provide no other descriptive information, the identity of almost every stone is heavily debated. In trying to determine which gems are referred to, scholars look for descriptions in other verses in which the stones are mentioned, explore cognate languages for linguistic clues as to the stones' identity, and turn to identifications made by both the Aramaic and Greek translations of Torah. The various translations, however, are not in total agreement, and the identity of many of the Aramaic and Greek names are disputed. Bemidbar Rabbah provides further clues, as it lists the color of many of the stones. Given the many unknowns, it is not surprising that multiple possible identifications have been raised for almost every stone.

Possible Identifications

For pictures and discussion, see Olam HaMikra Shemot 28

1. אֹדֶם

• Possible Identifications – A red stone, perhaps carnelian or jasper.
• Biblical verses – 
• Additional data – 

2. פִּטְדָה

• Possible Identifications – olivine (peridot), yellow topaz.
• Biblical verses – 
• Additional data – 

3. בָרֶקֶת

• Possible identifications – carbuncle (perhaps a red garnet), a green stone such as emerald or malakhite, or a banded stone such as agate or onyx.
• Biblical verses – 
• Additional data – 

4. נֹפֶךְ

• Possible identifications – emerald (or other green stone), ruby or red garnet, turquoise.
• Biblical verses – 
• Additional data – 

5. סַפִּיר

• Possible identifications – sapphire, lapis lazuli
• Biblical verses – 
• Additional data – 

6. יָהֲלֹם

• Possible identifications – green quartz or jasper, clear crystal quartz, moonstone
• Biblical verses – 
• Additional data – 

7. לֶשֶׁם

• Possible identifications – amber, jacinth, turquoise
• Biblical verses –
• Additional data –

8. שְׁבוֹ

• Possible identifications – agate, turquoise, jet
• Biblical verses – 
• Additional data – 

9. אַחְלָמָה

• Possible identifications – sardonyx, amethyst, red jasper
• Biblical verses – 
• Additional data – 

10. תַּרְשִׁישׁ

• Possible identifications – yellow-gold topaz, amber, aquamarine,
• Biblical verses – 
• Additional data – 

11. שֹׁהַם

• Possible identifications – beryl (emerald or aquamarine), clear crystal quartz, sardonyx, onyx, carnelian
• Biblical verses – 
• Additional data – 

12. יָשְׁפֵה

• Possible identifications – jasper, pearl, opal
• Biblical verses – 
• Additional data –