Emerald
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Rev. 4:3; 21:19)—a precious stone of beautiful green color. The encyclopedia’s mineralogical discussion reflects nineteenth-century terminology and names ancient Egyptian mines near Mount Zabar as well as South American sources. In Revelation an emerald-like rainbow surrounds God’s throne, and emerald forms the fourth foundation of the New Jerusalem. Pliny praised the restful beauty of its green, while later stories associated emeralds with Cleopatra’s palace and with protection from disease; these stories and amuletic claims are historical lore, not biblical teaching.