sardonyx

[ sahr-don-iks, sahr-dn- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a chalcedony that is used for cameos and has sard and chalcedony of another color, usually white, arranged in straight parallel bands.

sardonyx

/ ˈsɑːdənɪks /

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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