Many precious gems were known in Bible times. Special value was attached to each because of its beauty, rarity, and durability. Precious stones in general are often referred to as gems in the Bible. Agate - One of many fibrous varieties of quartz.
Agate is a form of chalcedony with bands or patterns of various colors.
The word comes from a Greek term for the river in Sicily where this stone was abundant. It was also found in Egypt, Arabia, and India. Also see Chalcedony. Amethyst - A variety of the mineral corundum. Its color varied from light to deep violet and was used for jewelry.