Sardonyx

Sardonyx is a Silicon Dioxide and a variety of Onyx, itself a member of the Chalcedony Cryptocrystalline Quartz family.

The name Sardonyx is of Greek origin. The word "sard" means reddish brown and onyx translates into "veined gem."  Sardonyx is basically Onyx with white and brown bands.  Sardonyx is formed when the mineral sard forms in between white strips of Onyx, giving the stone a banded, zebra-like appearance. The majority of stones are brownish, but it is possible to find them in pink, red, light green, blue and a blue lace.

Available at 'tiques n t'ings $38.00

Sardonyx is rated at 6.5 to 7 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness.   Onyx may chip or scratch rather easily, so store onyx carefully and never allow two specimens to touch each other.  Sardonyx contains layers of tiny quartz fibers stacked on top of each other so as to display a banded appearance. These layers of reddish brown Sard and Onyx range from translucent to opaque, exhibiting an attractive colored pattern of usually white, gray or black interspersed with reddish brown.

Sardonyx can be obtained quite easily at affordable prices. Almost all Sardonyx that is commercially available today is dyed to increase color depth.  Sardonyx found with distinctive or extraordinary banded patterns and at larger sizes will demand premiums.  Note that it is a common procedure to stain agate to give the appearance of the naturally occurring Sardonyx stone.

Sardonyx can be found in the United States around the Great Lakes Region in the mid-west, as well as in Oregon in the Pacific Northwest. Other sources around the world include Brazil, Sri Lanka, the Czech Republic, Uruguay and Germany. India has some of the best quality Sardonyx gems in the world.

Roman soldiers wore Sardonyx talismans engraved with heroes such as Hercules or Mars, god of war. They believed that the stone would make the wearer as brave and daring as the figured carved on it. Sardonyx was highly valued in Rome, particularly for seals, because it was said to never stick to wax. The Roman General Publius Cornelius Scipio was known for wearing Sardonyx jewelry.  During the Renaissance, Sardonyx was believed to bring eloquence upon the wearer and was regarded with great value by public speakers and orators.

Sardonyx is a stone of strength and protection. Use it to enhance willpower, integrity, stamina and vigor.

It is believed to bring lasting happiness and stability to marriage and partnerships. It attracts friends and good fortune.

Some people use Sardonyx as a protection grid - placing it at each corner of the house, at doors and windows to prevent crime and misfortune.

It is good for those born in the month of January or February. It protects the wearers from wild or poisonous animals, reptiles and insects. It is also effective in the case of those suffering from infectious diseases. Those, whose jobs involve public relations or those wishing to acquire new and influential friends, those wanting to have greater self-control, can also use it. It takes care of bite problems and gives assertiveness to the wearer.

Sardonyx is best cleaned using warm soapy water and a soft brush. As with most gemstones, Sardonyx should be kept away from prolonged exposure to extremes of heat and household chemicals that can damage the stone.