Explore the Special Stones of Israel

Beach resort in Eilat, the southern Israeli city that Eilat Stone is named after

1. The beautiful gemstone known as “Eilat Stone” is the official national stone of Israel.

2. It’s naturally only found in the Timna Valley near Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city on the coast of the Red Sea and the place it was named after.

3. It’s sometimes also called “King Solomon Stone,” as some believe that Biblical descriptions of materials mined under King Solomon’s rule may in fact be referring to this particular beautiful stone.

4. Modern mining of it began around the middle of the 20th century.

5. It comes in a range of blue and green hues, and no two stones are completely alike!

6. Eilat Stone is very rare, and very few jewelers have access to genuine pieces of it.

7. Nonetheless, it’s in high demand by jewelry wearers around the world, as a special and unique piece of the Land of Israel!

8. You too can take home your own piece of Eilat Stone – check out incredible jewelry pieces incorporating this special stone, crafted by some of Israel’s top artists, as well as our top 15 handpicked favorites.

Timna Valley in southern Israel, where Eilat Stone is naturally found

A model of the Holy Temple that stood in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago made into a necklace pendant, incorporating Roman Glass from the same time period

1. “Roman Glass” refers to fragments of ancient glass found in archeological excavation sites in Israel, dating back to the era of the Roman Empire.

2. It’s believed to be almost 2,000 years old!

3. Israel happens to have a unique abundance of Roman Glass, due to having been a major glass-making center for the empire.

4. After being exposed to oxide and various minerals in the sandy Israeli soil for hundreds of years, the glass has developed a distinct, colorful upper layer called patina.

5. It’s the particular soil and climate in Israel that were the perfect conditions for both preserving the glass and forming this delicate, unique patina!

6. Shards of Roman Glass that were once likely part of water jugs or other vessels are today commonly incorporated into jewelry, giving them a new life and purpose, for a lucky wearer who gets to connect to ancient history from the Land of Israel.

7. Each piece of Roman Glass is unique, with its own shape and distinct coloring.

8. Anyone can wear a piece of ancient Israeli history with beautiful Roman Glass jewelry from Israel’s greatest artisans! And if you’re looking for inspiration, check out this guide to the most stunning pieces.

Jerusalem Stone seen on the Western Wall in Jerusalem

1. The name “Jerusalem Stone” actually refers to 3 different types of stone that are naturally found in the Judean hills in Israel – limestone, dolomite, and dolomitic limestone.

2. The Western Wall is built out of it – and it’s believed that the rest of the Holy Temple was as well.

3. Almost all buildings in Jerusalem, and many others all around Israel, are built using Jerusalem Stone! There is even a modern municipal law in Jerusalem requiring all buildings to be faced with it.

4. It naturally comes in a range of colors – from white to yellow to grey, to even rosy pink and orange-brown red.

5. Besides its most common use as a building material, Jerusalem Stone is also used in Judaica and jewelry, due to its special significance as a piece of the Land of Israel.

6. The stone is also the reason why Jerusalem is nicknamed “Jerusalem of Gold” – the setting sun reflects off the cream-colored hue of most of the stones found around the city, giving them a golden glow!

7. For a more in-depth look into this important stone that’s been the building block of Jerusalem for centuries, see our Jerusalem Stone blog post.

8. And if you want to take home your own piece of stunning Jerusalem Stone, check out our beautiful Israeli-made Jerusalem Stone jewelry and Judaica and home decor, plus our top 10 favorites!