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
Only Neech stood out clear-cut as the intagliation of a sardonyx.
From Sinister Street, vol. 1 by MacKenzie, Compton
I have a fine Cleopatra cut in sardonyx, and one or two other intaglios and cameos, both curious and beautiful, worthy of being added to the cabinet of a prince.
From Romola by Eliot, George
He held out a broad gold cup, the rim whereof glinted with agate and sardonyx.
From A Victor of Salamis by Davis, William Stearns
Rings, set with carnelian, agate, sardonyx, amethyst, and other gems, and brooches of every variety, completed the ornaments in the jewel cases of the Athenian women.
From Greek Women by Carroll, Mitchell
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.
