The prophetic vision reveals a complex heavenly system capable of absolute, multi-directional movement. Earlier in the vision, the holy living creatures were described merely as a likeness because of their purely spiritual nature. However, the wheels of this heavenly chariot are presented as having a distinct, visual appearance. This shift in description indicates that the wheels are perceived as tangible, physical bodies that can actually be seen by the human eye [מלבי״ם].
The visual presence of these wheels is defined by their unique color and the way they are crafted [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. They are made of a material resembling a precious stone [מצודת ציון, רד״ק]. The primary approach among commentators is that this material is similar to a bright crystal [רש״י], tinted with shades of light blue or white [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This stone is characterized by such extreme purity and clarity that one can look straight through it from one side to the other. The wheels share this exact quality, being completely pure and transparent [מצודת דוד]. Furthermore, the light blue hue of the wheels symbolizes the thin, clear atmosphere where the heavenly bodies orbit [מלבי״ם].
Despite their complexity, the wheels share a completely uniform structure, with all four possessing the exact same shape [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Their mechanical design is highly unique. Most commentators explain that these do not function like standard wheels that only roll forward and backward. Instead, they are built as two wheels intersecting each other in a perpendicular, crisscross pattern. This specific angled design allows them to travel swiftly and effortlessly in any direction without ever needing to pivot or turn on an axis [רש״י, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Ultimately, this intricate mechanism mirrors the complex motion of the stars and heavenly spheres. These celestial bodies move simultaneously in multiple directions and at various angles, perfectly resembling the design of one wheel set firmly within another [מלבי״ם].