James, the white chalcedony, emblematic of his purity.
James the Less, the topaz, emblematic of delicacy.
John, the emerald, emblematic of his youth and gentleness.
Matthew, the amethyst, emblematic of sobriety. Matthew was once a “publican,” but was “sobered” by the leaven of Christianity.
Matthias, the chrysolite, pure as sunshine.
Peter, the jasper, hard and solid as the rock of the Church.
Philip, the friendly sardonyx.
Simeon of Cana, the pink hyacinth, emblematic of sweet temper.
Thaddeus, the chrysoprase, emblematic of serenity and trustfulness.
Thomas, the beryl, indefinite in lustre, emblematic of his doubting faith.