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Sardonyx
Sardonyx is silicate (banded chalcedony), SiO2 (cryptocrystalline). In the hand, it rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, and it runs red-brown and white bands and orange and cream layers. Straight, parallel flat bands alternating warm sard red-brown with white or cream, the classic carving stone where a white layer is cut into relief over a red ground.
The geology.
Sardonyx carries the formula SiO2 (cryptocrystalline). It belongs to the trigonal (cryptocrystalline) system. It is classified as silicate (banded chalcedony).
It sits at 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads waxy to vitreous on polish. Light behaviour is translucent to opaque. Specific gravity runs 2.58 to 2.64. The streak is white. It breaks with conchoidal fracture.
Straight, parallel flat bands alternating warm sard red-brown with white or cream, the classic carving stone where a white layer is cut into relief over a red ground.
You will most often meet it as cameos and intaglios, beads, tumbled or banded slabs.
The origins.
India, Brazil, Uruguay, and Madagascar; historic material from Anatolia and Yemen.
On value, the database notes: affordable; finely banded natural cameo rough is worth more.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with courage, integrity, and stable relationships.
People buy on this language, so it belongs on the page. It belongs under the facts, though, not over them.
Spotting the real thing.
Straight, parallel flat bands alternating warm sard red-brown with white or cream, the classic carving stone where a white layer is cut into relief over a red ground.
Most commercial sardonyx is heat-and-dye enhanced Brazilian agate; antique-style natural banding shows subtle color variation between layers.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Banded agate (curved) | Generic agate banding curves and follows cavity walls; sardonyx/onyx banding is straight and parallel |
| Dyed black-and-white onyx | Dyed material shows uniform jet black; natural sardonyx layers are warm browns and reds |
| Carnelian | Carnelian is unbanded uniform orange-red |
At-home tests.
You can run every one of these at a kitchen table. Good light matters more than gear when you are looking at sardonyx.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Scratch check | Scratches glass (Mohs 6.5 to 7) |
| By eye | Bands run straight and parallel |
| By eye | Backlight shows translucent red-brown layers |
Stop short of anything that leaves a mark. A gemologist can answer the rest without damaging the stone.
Care & handling.
At 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with conchoidal fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Skip the ultrasonic. Lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth handle routine cleaning without risk.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is SiO2 (cryptocrystalline). Crystal system: Trigonal (cryptocrystalline). Specific gravity: 2.58 to 2.64. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: Conchoidal fracture.
How it reaches the market
India, Brazil, Uruguay, and Madagascar; historic material from Anatolia and Yemen.
What it gets confused with
Banded agate (curved): Generic agate banding curves and follows cavity walls; sardonyx/onyx banding is straight and parallel. Dyed black-and-white onyx: Dyed material shows uniform jet black; natural sardonyx layers are warm browns and reds. Carnelian: Carnelian is unbanded uniform orange-red.
What it is worth
Affordable; finely banded natural cameo rough is worth more.
Where buyers get caught
Most commercial sardonyx is heat-and-dye enhanced Brazilian agate; antique-style natural banding shows subtle color variation between layers.
One more thing
Roman soldiers wore sardonyx engraved with Mars for courage, and apostle lore lists it in the walls of New Jerusalem, few stones carry more classical baggage.
An education-first guide.
We do not carry sardonyx. This page exists because the question comes up and the honest answer is worth writing down, whether or not there is anything here to sell you.
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