Description

Sardonyx stones usually contain flat-banded, white and brownish-red bands. The word Sardonyx is derived from the Greek, sard meaning “reddish brown,” and onyx meaning “veined gem.” The best stones are found in India. They are also found in Germany, Czechoslovakia, Brazil, and Uruguay.

Sardonyx is a variety of the silica mineral called chalcedony. Sardonyx stones usually contain flat-banded, white and brownish-red bands. Carbon is used to create the striking deep black banding in black and white banded sardonyx. The effects are stunning—ancient agate beads in rich colors perfect for blending with solid colored red or black beads.

Sardonyx was originally discovered in an ancient Persian city called Sardis; the region now known as Turkey. The stone has a unique composition, with layers of sard—which comes from the city name Sardis. Sardonyx is a combination of two types of chalcedony (cryptocrystalline quartz): sard and onyx.