Rev 21:20 | RWP | e4.org | Sardonyx ( σαρδονυξ ), here only in N.T., white with layers of red, from sardion (red carnelian) and onyx (white); for sardius ( σαρδιον ) see ; chrysolite ( χρυσολιθος ), here only in N.T. ( ), stone of a golden colour like our topaz or amber or a yellow beryl or golden jasper; beryl ( βηρυλλος ), again here only in N.T. ( ), note the difficulty of identification, much like the emerald according to Pliny; for topaz ( τοπαζιον ), here only in N.T. ( ), a golden-greenish stolle; chrysoprase (chrusoprasos), here only in N.T. (not in LXX), in colour like a teek, translucent golden-green; jacinth ( υακινθος ), of the colour of the hyacinth, a violet colour (Pliny), already in like blue smoke, like achates in LXX; amethyst ( αμεθυστος ), only here in N.T. ( ), of a violet and purple colour, more brilliant than the υακινθος . Swete sums up the colours thus: blue (sapphire, jacinth, amethyst), green (jasper, chalcedony, emerald, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase), red (sardonyx, sardius), yellow (chrysolite). But even so there is great variety in hue and brilliancy and in the reaction on each other. Clement of Alexandria argues that this variety illustrates the variety of gifts and graces in the twelve apostles. Possibly so.

‏ Revelation of John 21:20

Sardonyx ( σαρδονυξ ), here only in N.T., white with layers of red, from sardion (red carnelian) and onyx (white); for sardius ( σαρδιον ) see 4:3; chrysolite ( χρυσολιθος ), here only in N.T. (Ex 28:20), stone of a golden colour like our topaz or amber or a yellow beryl or golden jasper; beryl ( βηρυλλος ), again here only in N.T. (Ex 28:20), note the difficulty of identification, much like the emerald according to Pliny; for topaz ( τοπαζιον ), here only in N.T. (Ex 28:17), a golden-greenish stolle; chrysoprase (chrusoprasos), here only in N.T. (not in LXX), in colour like a teek, translucent golden-green; jacinth ( υακινθος ), of the colour of the hyacinth, a violet colour (Pliny), already in 9:17 like blue smoke, like achates in LXX; amethyst ( αμεθυστος ), only here in N.T. (Ex 28:19), of a violet and purple colour, more brilliant than the υακινθος. Swete sums up the colours thus: blue (sapphire, jacinth, amethyst), green (jasper, chalcedony, emerald, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase), red (sardonyx, sardius), yellow (chrysolite). But even so there is great variety in hue and brilliancy and in the reaction on each other. Clement of Alexandria argues that this variety illustrates the variety of gifts and graces in the twelve apostles. Possibly so.