Sapphire <1,,4552, sappheiros>
is mentioned in Rev 21:19 (RV, marg., "lapis lazuli") as the second of the foundations of the wall of the heavenly Jerusalem (cp. Isa 54:11). It was one of the stones in the high priest's breastplate, Exo 28:18, Exo 39:11; as an intimation of its value see Job 28:16, Eze 28:13. See also Exo 24:10, Eze 1:26, Eze 10:1. The "sapphire" has various shades of blue and ranks next in hardness to the diamond.
