A sixth grader uncovered a rare gemstone at a biblical site linked to Jesus' ministry, a find that sheds light on life in ancient Galilee.The discovery, announced by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) in early June, was made at Korazim National Park near the Sea of Galilee.Identified with the biblical village of Chorazin, Korazim is mentioned in the New Testament as a place where residents witnessed Jesus' miracles but failed to repent.ARCHAEOLOGIST UNCOVERS 'COMPELLING EVIDENCE' OF TRUE LOCATION WHERE JESUS TURNED WATER INTO WINEKorazim also sits roughly two miles north of Capernaum, the ancient fishing village that served as the center of Jesus' ministry.Pictures of the gemstone, which dates to the sixth century A.D., show its small size and striking pale-blue center.Student Alon Horowitz discovered the rare gemstone while taking part in an excavation organized by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.(Hadar Kvint; Omer Galili)The gemstone was found by Alon Horowitz, a 12-year-old student at the Ramat Korazim Regional Elementary School near Elifelet.ANCIENT ROMAN'S 'MISHAP' LEADS TO RARE JEWELRY DISCOVERY IN BRITISH COUNTRYSIDEThe sixth grader was taking part in a community excavation program that allows local students to work alongside archaeologists and learn about ancient life, organized by the INPA in partnership with Ariel University.Horowitz told officials he found the gemstone just minutes before the dig wrapped up.Archaeologists say the rare gemstone was discovered at Korazim, a biblical site near the Sea of Galilee linked to Jesus' ministry.
(Omer Galili; Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images)"After three days of digging, about 10 minutes before we finished, I was digging with my trowel and suddenly saw something blue, round and special," Horowitz said in a statement.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER"I picked it up and showed it to the archaeologist.When I understood it was something rare, I felt really happy and proud...