sardonyx

[ sahr-don-iks, sahr-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.

sardonyx

/ ˈsɑːdənɪks /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sardonyx¹

1300–50; Middle English < Latin < Greek sardónyx; sard, onyx

Word History and Origins

Origin of sardonyx¹

C14: via Latin from Greek sardonux, perhaps from sardion sardine ² + onux nail

Example Sentences

It is a cameo head of Elizabeth, cut in a sardonyx, and set in a gold ring, enamelled at the back.

From Project Gutenberg

Four lions' heads of pink sardonyx cast forth the water in thin jets into the pool.

From Project Gutenberg

Also, the beauteous Balkis sent King Solomon a precious goblet of carved sardonyx, of magnificent workmanship.

From Project Gutenberg

It touched me to think how often the author of Sardonyx has stood leaning his back against one of those giants—au piquet!

From Project Gutenberg

Sardonyx came of age nearly twelve years ago—what a coming of age that was the reader will remember well.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Sardonyx

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.

Where does sardonyx come from?

The first records of the word sardonyx come from the 1300s. It comes from the Greek sardónyx or sardonux. Sard comes from the Greek sardios, meaning “stone from Sardis.” The word onyx comes from the Greek ónyx, meaning “nail,” “claw,” or “veined gem.”

Sardonyx is actually two combined forms of the silica mineral chalcedony: sard and onyx. The red tone of the stone is dependent on the amount of iron oxide.

Sardonyx has been used since ancient times, including by the ancient Romans, for signet rings, seals, and cameos.

Did you know … ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with sardonyx? 

• sard
• onyx
• sardine

What are some words that often get used in discussing sardonyx?

• red
• brown
• stone
• gem
• gemstone
• semiprecious
• mineral
• chalcedony
• cameo
• agate
• birthstone
• August

How is sardonyx used in real life?

Sardonyx is known for its use in cameos and as one of the birthstones for the month of August.

The Farnese Cup, 2nd c. BC.

It is the largest existing cameo in the world and was probably designed for ritual libations rather than for banquets. It is a cameo cup made of sardonyx agate.

National Archaeological Museum, Naples. #AncientArt pic.twitter.com/j4AAIlbElu

— Digital Maps of the Ancient World (@DigitalMapsAW) March 13, 2021

Carnelians always bring an attention :-)
Carnelian and sardonyx beads with the amulet pendants: gold shields and one with an "eye stone" (banded agate, against the evil eye).
The shields we can see in jewelry #Roman times, as earrings, brooches or pendants. #PalmyraSimilarities pic.twitter.com/wkIi5sATIM

— Maria Tatiana (@ColorsAndStones) January 27, 2021

#MineralMonday August's original birthstone is sardonyx. Its layers of sard and onyx create a reddish zebra-striped gemstone. Sardonyx has been popular throughout history, dating back to the Second Dynasty of Egypt over 4,000 years ago! pic.twitter.com/27ZMGALILO

— Britannia Museum (@BritanniaMine) August 27, 2018

Try using sardonyx!

True or False?

Sardoyx is a variety of the mineral chalcedony.