TP writes: “I have been wanting to learn more about the gemstones in the Bible. But I'm questioning when I start to search online there's a lot of new age things. Is it wrong as a Christian to want to study gemstones and if they have any healing properties for us?”There is nothing wrong with wanting to learn more about gemstones and other geological wonders of the earth, but the idea that stones – whether mentioned in the Bible or not – have healing power is a thoroughly New Age concept that should never be pursued.
Belief in the power of Biblical gemstones comes from the New Age idea that certain rocks/crystals have special powers. They believe these stones absorb energy from the forces of nature, and even the human touch, leaving it “imprinted” with a variety of electrical, psychic, magnetic and nuclear power.
According to the Irish Theological Commission, “The belief in the power of crystals stems from a New Age belief that God is an impersonal force, or energy, which is vibrating in the Universe. If one wants to get into harmony with this energy then one may do so through certain objects that vibrate in harmony with this energy. The New Age movement believes that crystal rocks, with their beautiful crystal shapes and patterns, vibrate with this energy. They believe that if you hold a crystal while meditating this energy will flow into you . . .”
This explains why your search for information led you to “a lot of new age things.”
For example, New Agers claim jasper provides perseverance and determination. Diamonds are said to be a powerful healer of emotional pain, can bring about spiritual enlightenment, and can be used to treat conditions such as vertigo and allergies. If you want prosperity and good health, all you need to do is wear an emerald! And if you’re in search of your “inner-most truths”, wear aquamarine.
There is no credible evidence that crystals do anything other than look beautiful.
This includes biblical gemstones such as the stones that adorned Aaron's breastplate which were highly symbolic. As this site explains, "The breastplate had mounted on it 12 gem stones. Each stone had one of the names of the 12 sons of Israel etched into it. In this way, the breastplate signified that the high priest was a mediator before God on behalf of all the people in every tribe."
Tradition has also connected the 12 foundation stones in the Book of Revelation to the 12 Apostles. Peter-Jasper, Andrew-Sapphire, James-Chalcedon, John-Emerald, Bartholomew-Sard, Matthew-Chrysolite, Thomas-Beryl, James the Less-Topaz, Jude-Chrysoprase, Simon the Zealot-Hyaciinth, and Mathias-Amethyst.
It's also interesting to read descriptions of various other gemstones found in the Bible such as those mentioned on this site.
It includes agate, which is mentioned in Exodus 28:19 and 39:12 as being the second stone in the third row of the High Priest’s breastplate. This stone was highly prized in ancient times when it was fashioned into beads, pins, brooches and signet rings.
Carnelian is mentioned in Exodus 28:19 and 39:10 as well as in Revelation 4:3 and 21:20. It refers to a translucent orange-red quartz stone that was often used for ring stones and wax seals. A necklace containing 670 of these stones was found in the tomb of an Egyptian queen dating back to 1,000 B.C.
Mention of Jasper can be found in Exodus 28:20 and 39:13; Job 28:18; Ezekiel 28:13; and Revelation 4:3, 21:11, 18, and 19. It was used to make mantles, pillars and vases in ancient times and was named in Scripture as the 12th stone in Aaron’s breastplate. It is also listed as the 6th foundation stone of the New Jerusalem.
As the site explains so beautfully, “Many supernatural powers have been attributed to precious stones throughout the ages. Peoples, even today, wear stones as amulets for their supposed healing and protective abilities. But Hannah declares, 'There is no Rock like our God!' 1 Samuel 2:2. All power belongs to God. Gemstones are all God’s creation. Romans 1:20 says, 'since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.' Stones in themselves have no power, but they do speak of the power and glory of our God!”
Amen!
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