- Gemstones of the Heavenly Jerusalem
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- First Foundation Stone: JASPER
"There are many kinds of jaspers. For one appears of a green colour, and marked, as it were, with flowers. Another resembles an emerald, but is of an opaque colour, and it is supposed that all phantasms are put to flight by it. Another is glistering, as of a mixed colour, with snow and the foam of sea waves. By the jasper, therefore, is shewn the unfading verdure of faith, which is imbued with the sacrament of the Lord’s Passion by the water of Baptism, and is prepared by increasing deserts for all the flowers of spiritual graces."
-The Explanation Of The Apocalypse, St. Bede the Venerable, Anglorum Doctor
"The Jasper, which like the Emerald is of a greenish hue, probably signifies Saint Peter, chief of the apostles, as one who so bore Christ's death in his inmost nature, that his love for Him was always vigorous and fresh. By his fervent faith he has become our shepherd and leader."
-Bishop Andreas of Caesarea, 6th Century A.D.