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.

---

sardonyx British  

/ ˈsɑːdənɪks /

noun

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

---

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

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

The Oriental sardonyx was not available for the purposes of the Renaissance artists, who were consequently obliged to content themselves with the colder German agate onyx.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 5 "Gassendi, Pierre" to "Geocentric" by Various

And Menander makes mention of Emeralds also, in his Little Boy— There must be an emerald and a sardonyx.

From The Deipnosophists, or Banquet of the Learned of Athen?us by Athen?us

Thou art covered with precious stones of all kinds, with the ruby, emerald, diamond, hyacinth, onyx, jasper, sapphire, carbuncle, sardonyx and gold.

From Scarabs The History, Manufacture and Symbolism of the Scarabæus in Ancient Egypt, Phoenicia, Sardinia, Etruria, etc. by Myer, Isaac

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