A gem next in hardness and value to the diamond, and comprising, as varieties, all those precious stones known by the name of oriental gems, namely, the oriental ruby, oriental topaz, and oriental emerald, John 21:25 . In general the name of sapphire is given to the blue variety, which is either of deep indigo blue, or of various lighter tints, Exodus 24:10 , and sometimes gradually passes into perfectly white or colorless, which, when cut, may also pass for a diamond, Exodus 28:18; 39:11; Revelation 21:19 .