The Book of Revelation in the New Testament -- the Apocalypse -- tells of the building of the New Jerusalem. It describes the foundations as being adorned with twelve stones: jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, carnelian, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth and amethyst.

This thorough book examines in depth the minerals of the Apocalypse, including descriptions from a Goethean approach which offers great insight into the world of minerals. Benesch goes on to explore the changing relationship of human beings to the mineral world through the ages, so that the building of a New Jerusalem can be understood as a real transformation.

This book brings alchemical and astrological traditions together with scientific research to form the beginnings of a new esoteric mineralogy.