In the following list, the ancient or biblical name is given, followed by the modern name in parentheses. Carnelian is a translucent hard fine-grained variety of orangish red quartz, that has often been used for ring stones and wax seals. The Hebrew word appears derived from a Sanscrit word meaning yellow. Some theologians think it could have been serpentine. But the topazius of ancient writers almost always signified the gem variety of olivine called peridot.
All emeralds are relatively uncommon in occurrence, whereas chalcedony is fairly common.
Both minerals are relatively resistant to weathering and might be found in river gravels or on the surface of the ground. It is known that there were active emerald mines during this time providing this stone to Egypt. The literal translation of the ancient Hebrew name means glowing coal. The Hebrew name of Sappir . The sacred character of this stone was attested by the tradition that the Law given to Moses on the Mount was engraved on tablets of sapphire.