σμάραγδος, ου, ὁ

Found in Revelation 4:3 and 21:19, emerald, renowned for its striking green hue, represents the divine compassion, the perpetuity of life, and the notion of rejuvenation. This gemstone's vivid green, often reminiscent of lush foliage or the richness of spring, encapsulates these themes. Its presence in the foundation of the New Jerusalem is emblematic of the unceasing and rejuvenating essence of God's mercy, accentuating the promise of everlasting life that is fundamental to Christian doctrine. The emerald's color, ranging from light to deep green, often with a translucent to opaque quality, symbolizes growth, freshness, and the enduring nature of God's love and promise of renewal.