Sapphire (σά π φειρος, from מַפיר)
Sapphire is the second foundation stone of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:19), an idea probably suggested by Isaiah 54:11 . Doubtless the lapis lazuli is meant (so Revelation 21:19 RVm [Note: Vm Revised Version margin.]). According to Theophrastus (Lap. 23) the sapphire is ‘as it were spotted with gold dust.’ (ὥ σ π ερ χρυσό π αστος), and Pliny (HN [Note: N Historia Naturalis (Pliny).] xxxvii. 38) alludes to its ‘aureus pulvis,’ and again (39), ‘in iis [sapphiris] enim aurum punctis conlucet cAEruleis.’ This description does not suit the stone now called sapphire, but is fully applicable to the lapis lazuli, which ‘frequently contains disseminated particles of iron-pyrites of gold-like appearance’ (EBr [Note: Br EncyclopAEdia Britannica.] 11 xvi. 199). In Exodus 24:10 the LXX [Note: XX Septuagint.] says that under God’s feet is ὡ σε ὶ ἔ ργον πλίνθου σα π φείρου -a fine simile for the star-gemmed azure sky (cf. Ezekiel 1:26 .). The modern sapphire is probably the ancient ὑ άκινθος, or ‘jacinth’ (q.v. [Note: .v. quod vide, which see.]).
Literature-C. W. King, The Natural History of Precious Stones and Gems, 1865, pp. 273-277; J. H. Middleton, The Engraved Gems of Classical Times, 1891.
James Strahan.