sardonyx
Americannoun
noun
Usage
What does sardonyx mean? Sardonyx is an opaque (non-clear) gemstone that’s commonly reddish-brown with white layers. Sardonyx is a variety of the mineral chalcedony, a kind of quartz. The bands of sardonyx are formed by alternating layers of the minerals sard and onyx. The color of the sard portion can range from yellow-red to a reddish-brown. Because the onyx portion can be banded, it can be considered a type of agate. Sardonyx is considered a semiprecious stone, a label given to stones that hold a lesser value than those considered precious. Sardonyx is one of the birthstones for the month of August. It’s associated with the zodiac sign Leo. Sardonyx is known for its use to create carved gems known as cameos. Example: I wear this sardonyx cameo amulet because I was born in August.
Etymology
Origin of sardonyx
1300–50; Middle English < Latin < Greek sardónyx; see sard, onyx
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Among the glories here are a lyrical alabaster-and-pearl paten, which may have come from St. Sophia, and an opulent, dappled sardonyx chalice decorated with enamel figures that resemble mini-mosaics.
From Time Magazine Archive
It is a sardonyx measuring 8� in. by 6 in., and appears to represent a Roman emperor and empress in the forms of Serapis and Isis.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 5 "Gassendi, Pierre" to "Geocentric" by Various
It is a sardonyx of five layers of irregular shape, like all classical gems, measuring 12 in. by 10� in.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 5 "Gassendi, Pierre" to "Geocentric" by Various
He held out a broad gold cup, the rim whereof glinted with agate and sardonyx.
From A Victor of Salamis by Davis, William Stearns
The districts from whence the ancients obtained the sardonyx, once held in high repute, are not known, but the vicinity of Bosa abounds in chalcedenous formations.
From Rambles in the Islands of Corsica and Sardinia with Notices of their History, Antiquities, and Present Condition. by Forester, Thomas
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
