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SardonyxWhat Is Sardonyx?Sardonyx is one of the "official" birthstones for August. Sardonyx is a variety form of onyx, itself a form of chalcedony (cryptocrystalline quartz). Popular sardonyx jewelry available to buy includes beads, rings and pendants.The name sardonyx comes, as you might guess, from sard and onyx. Sardonyx consists of layers of reddy-brown "sard" and layers of onyx. The result is a banded stone that is usually white, grey or black interspersed with red or reddish brown. This attractive coloured pattern means that sardonyx is frequently used for beads and brooches. Sardonyx is reasonably strong but is prone to chips and scratches.
Symbolism and LoreAccording to Pliny, sard is named after Sardis where that mineral is found. Onyx is named after the word for "nail" because its veined appearance resembles a fingernail.The ancient Greeks and Romans were very fond of sardonyx and believed it could bring courage and victory. Sardonyx was often engraved with images of the relevant gods (eg Ares or Mars) and carried into battle by soldiers. Away from the battlefield it was believed to lend the gift of persuasiveness to orators and leaders. Roman women were also fond of cameo pendants made from sardonyx. Sardonyx is mentioned in the Christian bible. In Ezekiel it is one of the precious stones in the lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, in Exodus it appears in the first row of the Breastplate of Aaron and in Revelations it is the fifth foundation stone of the celestial city. Some people dispute those first two references saying that sardius should actually be translated as carnelian.
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