Beryl

The rendering in the Authorized Version of the Hebrew word tarshish, a precious stone; probably so called as being brought from Tarshish. It was one of the stones on the breastplate of the high priest (Ex. 28:20; R.V. marg., “chalcedony;” 39:13). The colour of the wheels in Ezekiel’s vision was as the colour of a beryl stone (1:16; 10:9; R.V., “stone of Tarshish”). It is mentioned in Cant. 5:14; Dan. 10:6; Rev. 21:20. In Ezek. 28:13 the LXX. render the word by “chrysolite,” which the Jewish historian Josephus regards as its proper translation. This also is the rendering given in the Authorized Version in the margin. That was a gold-coloured gem, the topaz of ancient authors.

(tarshish) occurs in (Exodus 28:20) It is generally supposed that the tarshish derives its name from the place so called, in Spain. Beryl is a mineral of great hardness, and, when transparent, of much beauty. By tarshish the modern yellow topaz is probably intended, while in (Revelation 21:20) a different stone is perhaps referred to, probably the mineral now called beryl, which is identical with the emerald except in color, being a light green or bluish-green.

BER'YL . Ex. 28:20. By the Hebrew word "tarshish " modern yellow topaz is supposed to be meant. This designation seems to indicate the place from which it was brought. Beryl, in the N. T., Rev 21:20, is probably a different stone, and very likely the mineral now so called, which is found in Palestine, but was less abundant and more precious in ancient times than in modern. It is usually of a light-green color and considerably opaque.

BER'YL . Ex. 28:20. By the Hebrew word "tarshish " modern yellow topaz is supposed to be meant. This designation seems to indicate the place from which it was brought. Beryl, in the N. T., Rev 21:20, is probably a different stone, and very likely the mineral now so called, which is found in Palestine, but was less abundant and more precious in ancient times than in modern. It is usually of a light-green color and considerably opaque.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

A mineral of great hardness, and, when transparent, of much beauty. It occurs in hexagonal prisms, commonly of a green or bluish green color, but also yellow, pink, and white. It is a silicate of aluminium and glucinum (beryllium). The aquamarine is a transparent, sea-green variety used as a gem. The emerald is another variety highly prized in jewelry, and distinguished by its deep color, which is probably due to the presence of a little oxide of chromium.