Amethyst

The amethyst is a precious stone named three times in scripture. It belongs to the third row of the high-priest's breastpiece and to the foundations of the New Jerusalem.

In the Breastpiece of Judgment

When the breastpiece is described in the instructions for Aaron's vestments, the amethyst is the last of the third row of stones: "and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst" (Ex 28:19). The execution-narrative repeats the same arrangement when Bezalel's craftsmen actually make the breastpiece: "and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst" (Ex 39:12).

In the Foundations of the New Jerusalem

The amethyst returns at the close of the canon as the twelfth foundation-stone of the holy city: "the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst" (Re 21:20).