sardonyx

American  

[sahr-don-iks, sahr-dn-] / sɑrˈdɒn ɪks, ˈsɑr dn- /

noun

1. a chalcedony that is used for cameos and has sard and chalcedony of another color, usually white, arranged in straight parallel bands.

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sardonyx British  

/ ˈsɑːdənɪks /

noun

1. a variety of chalcedony with alternating reddish-brown and white parallel bands, used as a gemstone. Formula: SiO 2

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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; sard, onyx

Example Sentences

Also on view will be the Hamilton family’s blackish-brown sardonyx bowl, believed to have been used by Charlemagne.

From New York Times

For example, the Treasure of Naix — eight gold necklaces accented with emerald, glass, amethyst, pearl and sardonyx — resembles pieces at Barneys and Cartier.

From Los Angeles Times

IV Afar There is something that seems a shore; The sky has been blown clean of clouds except to westward, And these stare hard at me, like huge sardonyx towers.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he answered me and said, 'These stars are of different tinctures; one is of the sapphire, the other of the sardonyx.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a large shallow bowl of sardonyx, 8 in. in diameter.

From Project Gutenberg