Diamond

(1.) A precious gem (Heb. yahalom’, in allusion to its hardness), otherwise unknown, the sixth, i.e., the third in the second row, in the breastplate of the high priest, with the name of Naphtali engraven on it (Ex. 28:18; 39:11; R.V. marg., “sardonyx.”) (2.) A precious stone (Heb. shamir’, a sharp point) mentioned in Jer. 17:1. From its hardness it was used for cutting and perforating other minerals. It is rendered “adamant” (q.v.) in Ezek. 3:9, Zech. 7:12. It is the hardest and most valuable of precious stones.

(Heb. yahalom), a gem crystallized carbon, the most valued and brilliant of precious stones, remarkable for its hardness, the third precious stone in the second row on the breastplate of the high priest, (Exodus 28:18; 39:11) and mentioned by Ezekiel, (Ezekiel 28:13) among the precious stones of the king of Tyre. Some suppose yahalom to be the “emerald.” Respecting shamir, which is translated “Diamond” in (Jeremiah 17:1) see under Adamant.

DI'AMOND. Ex 28:18; Eze 28:13. "There is no trace of evidence that the ancients ever acquired the skill to engrave on the diamond, or even that they were acquainted with the stone." — Canon Cook. The claims of jasper, onyx, chalcedony, emerald, and rock-crystal to be the diamond of the Bible have all been urged. Its diversity from any other stone in the high priest's breast-plate will incline some minds to advocate rock-crystal. For Jer 17:1, see Adamant.

DI'AMOND. Ex 28:18; Eze 28:13. "There is no trace of evidence that the ancients ever acquired the skill to engrave on the diamond, or even that they were acquainted with the stone." — Canon Cook. The claims of jasper, onyx, chalcedony, emerald, and rock-crystal to be the diamond of the Bible have all been urged. Its diversity from any other stone in the high priest's breast-plate will incline some minds to advocate rock-crystal. For Jer 17:1, see Adamant.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A precious stone or gem excelling in brilliancy and beautiful play of prismatic colors, and remarkable for extreme hardness.

2. A geometrical figure, consisting of four equal straight lines, and having two of the interior angles acute and two obtuse; a rhombus; a lozenge.

3. One of a suit of playing cards, stamped with the figure of a diamond.

4. A pointed projection, like a four-sided pyramid, used for ornament in lines or groups.

5. The infield; the square space, 90 feet on a side, having the bases at its angles.

6. The smallest kind of type in English printing, except that called brilliant, which is seldom seen.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

Resembling a diamond; made of, or abounding in, diamonds; as, a diamond chain; a diamond field.