Rare gemstone discovered by 12-year-old boy during archaeological dig in ancient Jewish village

A 12-year-old boy has unearthed a rare 1,500-year-old deep blue gemstone during an archaeological dig at Korazim National Park in Israel's Galilee. The discovery, announced by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA), occurred just minutes before the day's excavation concluded.

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After three days of digging, about ten minutes before we finished, I was digging with the trowel, and suddenly I saw something blue, round, and special. I picked it up and showed it to the archaeologist. When I understood it was something rare, I felt really happy and proud.

Alon Horvitz, a sixth grader participating in a joint project between the INPA and Ariel University, found the gem. "After three days of digging, about ten minutes before we finished, I was digging with the trowel, and suddenly I saw something blue, round, and special," Horvitz recounted. "I picked it up and showed it to the archaeologist. When I understood it was something rare, I felt really happy and proud."

Dr. Achia Kohn-Tavorn from Ariel University identified the stone as a Nicolo, a type of agate historically used in Roman jewelry to signify wealth. The INPA stated that such finds illuminate the rich trade networks and the everyday lives of Korazim's residents, offering a glimpse into their "worlds of beauty, status, and human connections."

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Finding a gemstone intended for setting in jewelry is an exceptional and particularly exciting event in the archaeology of the Land of Israel. The educational digs we lead in national parks and heritage sites are not only scientific work, but a central educational component aimed at creating a deep connection between the younger generation and the history and roots of us all.

Archaeologists emphasized the educational value of these digs. "Alon's tangible encounter with a personal object left behind by someone who lived here 1,500 years ago is precisely the moment when heritage transforms from a story in a book into a living, connecting experience," said Dr. Dror Ben-Yosef of the INPA. Korazim itself was a Jewish village active from the Second Temple period to the 11th century CE, with remains including homes, ritual baths, an olive press, and a synagogue.

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Alon's tangible encounter with a personal object left behind by someone who lived here 1,500 years ago is precisely the moment when heritage transforms from a story in a book into a living, connecting experience.