Sardonyx stone is a gem belonging to the chalcedony group. It found its wide application in ancient times: it was used to make seals for many Roman politicians.
However, the use of this mineral was not limited exclusively to the manufacture of seals. For example, the gem was very popular among jewelry connoisseurs.
In addition, it was even used in magic as a talisman. We’ll talk about what kind of stone this is, what its properties are and who it’s suitable for in this article.
What is this stone?
Sardonyx is a beautiful stone, superior to minerals such as chalcedony, carnelian, and agate. In ancient times, people highly valued this mineral because... believed in its magical properties.
Today it has not lost its relevance: many use it for medicinal purposes, use it as a talisman, and also wear it as decoration.
Origin story
The history of the origin of sardonyx goes back to the distant past, namely in the period BC. During excavations on the territory of the ancient city of Sardis (Turkey), archaeologists managed to stumble upon jewelry with this mineral.
Scientists agreed that the stone received its name in honor of this city.
Many mineralogists are confident that sardonyx is so called because it has some similarities with sardis and onyx.
In ancient times this stone was very popular. In Rome, many influential figures had sardonyx seals. Women of different ages adored various jewelry with this mineral.
Sardonyx was one of the most sought-after stones by alchemists, who used the stone to conduct numerous experiments. The stone was in demand among healers who knew the secrets of infusing miraculous water on this mineral.
Around the 14th century, sardonyx gained incredible popularity. Jewelers did not always have time to fulfill orders from clients who wanted to own precious jewelry with this stone.
Rich ladies could afford entire sets consisting of earrings, beads, and bracelets. Almost all the houses of wealthy citizens had cups and figurines made of sardonyx.
They emphasized the good taste of the owners and were a sign that the owners lived prosperously.
Place of Birth
Sardonyx are found in places where baked quartz sand is brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions or during mountain building. This origin created the colored layering of the stone.
Mineral Sardonyx
The low price of the stone is compensated by its popularity, so there are enough deposits with industrial-scale mining on the planet:
- The largest volumes of gemstones are extracted from the depths of India.
- Picturesque examples come from hot Arabia and Mexico.
- Dark stones are mined in Uruguay.
- The homeland of light sardonyx is northern Africa (Egypt, Algeria) and southern Asia (Pakistan, Afghanistan).
India, the USA, and Brazil sometimes delight connoisseurs with semi-precious giants.
Russian gem deposits are concentrated in the Urals, the Far East and Kamchatka. Prospectors find rich deposits of stone in the Siberian taiga and tundra.
Physical properties
The sardonyx stone has long been studied by mineralogists.
Scientists have found that it has the following physical properties and characteristics:
- has a hardness on the Mohs scale of 6.5 - 7 units;
- acid resistant. Only oxygen-free acid can melt a stone;
- it is opaque;
- mineral density varies from 2.5 to 2.6 g/cm3;
- The stone has a conchoidal fracture.
Important: Samples that have not been processed have a characteristic matte or dull-oily sheen on the fracture. Sardonyx is quite easy to process, because... has excellent ductility.
Nature of the striped mineral
Today, sardonyx stone is mainly mined in India. In Russia, its deposits are located in the Kolyma region. But these wonderful minke whales are also found in warm regions, for example, in Mexico, Algeria, Afghanistan, Argentina, Egypt, and Pakistan.
Sardonyx by its nature is a subspecies of the well-known mineral onyx - fibrous chalcedony quartz with a multi-colored plane-parallel layered structure. It is its magical multi-colored layers that attract the attention of stone lovers, mesmerizing with their beauty.
Rare, literally unique minerals have an almost transparent shell, translucent to a depth of 4 cm. But more often these stones are opaque, completely matte, with a slight waxy sheen.
The color range is varied - you can find sardonyx in contrasting red-black shades, with iridescent layers of honey-golden, and with veins of almost scarlet color.
In terms of its chemical composition, the stone is almost 99% silicon oxide. This determines its color. The shades depend on what and in what quantity of impurities are present in it - iron, calcium, aluminum or magnesium oxide.
Varieties, colors
The mineral is divided into two types: female and male. The former are used for making paired jewelry, the latter – for amulets and rings. Very small stones are used to make beads.
Sardonyx comes in a variety of colors:
- white;
- brown;
- pink;
- brown.
Important: The most expensive stones are those that have a pattern on them.
Description
The mineral sardonyx belongs to the chalcedony family. Mineralogists classify it as a red-brown banded variety of agate with its own name - sardonyx.
Traditionally, the mineral is divided into two types - male and female:
- The male stone is distinguished by a dark (brown, brownish, burgundy) background. This gives the mineral restraint and solemnity.
- The color palette of ladies' sardonyx looks more delicate, softer, and lighter. The multilayer structure is dominated by warm colors of tea rose, sandy-orange, amber-yellow shades.
Both varieties of sardonyx contain the same shades, but the type determines the prevalence of dark or light layers.
Women's stones are “warmer”, silkier, softer. In men's hair, the layering is more pronounced, and the overall background is darker.
Magic properties
Many people believe in the magical properties of sardonyx. Thus, the most common belief is that the stone helps its owner in astral travel, and also significantly enhances his ability to predict the future.
Red sardonyx has one more property - it is a talisman against all kinds of witchcraft. A person who has jewelry with a red mineral may not be afraid of damage or the evil eye, because is under the reliable protection of his amulet.
Important: Even the smallest piece of jewelry can become a powerful talisman for its owner. It will protect you from an evil eye, give you self-confidence, and help you get rid of fears.
The wearer of the talisman need not worry about ill-wishers - sardonyx will reliably protect against evil, deceit and troubles, help in moving up the career ladder, and bring happiness to the family.
The mineral is in great demand among travelers, as well as among those who are forced to be often away from home due to duty. These are diplomats, military personnel, pilots, truck drivers, and sailors.
The magical power of sardonyx cannot be underestimated for overly sensitive people. Anyone who purchases this stone will soon gain powerful protection and learn to be resistant to failures and stressful situations.
The stone helps to get rid of emotional distress and get out of depression.
STRUCTURE
Crystal structure of sardonyx
The crystal structure of sardonyx, as well as other polymorphic modifications of quartz, is characterized by the peculiarity that the Si4+ ion is always in a quadruple environment of O2- ions located at the vertices of the tetrahedron. Each vertex of such a tetrahedron simultaneously serves as the vertex of another adjacent tetrahedron. Thus, the crystal lattices of these minerals consist, as it were, of frameworks of tetrahedrons linked to each other. The method of coupling in all modifications is the same (through the vertices of tetrahedrons), but the orientation and general symmetry in their arrangement are different. In general, the packing of oxygen ions is not dense: in the frameworks there are “voids” between the tetrahedra. In low-temperature modifications they are small in size, and in high-temperature, more “loosely” constructed modifications they are larger.
Medicinal properties
The healing properties of the mineral were described in ancient books. For example, even in the distant past, the powder obtained from grinding a gem was used to disinfect wounds.
All military doctors knew that a small amount of the miraculous powder must be taken with you while accompanying the campaign.
The red mineral helps its wearer get rid of nervous tension, depression, and anxiety. The stone helps women conceive a baby, and men help get rid of sexual impotence.
The beneficial effects of sardonyx on the body are difficult to underestimate:
- Normalizes the functioning of the thyroid gland.
- Has a strengthening effect on immune defense.
- Relieves many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Normalizes hearing.
- Improves memory.
- Helps in treating depression.
Lithotherapy has the maximum effect in combination with drug treatment. Sardonyx significantly enhances the positive effects of medications.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
Astrologers agree that not all zodiac signs can wear jewelry with sardonyx:
- Aries needs to wear an amulet with sardonyx. This stone will help ensure that the hot-tempered nature of representatives of this zodiac sign will change for the better.
- The mineral will also benefit Taurus They will stop being shy about showing their sincere feelings and will direct their energies in the right direction.
- Sardonyx will neither benefit nor harm Pisces Therefore, you can safely wear jewelry with a mineral and not worry about the fact that the stone is not suitable.
- Cancers will be able to change their life - it will become calmer. Cancers will not be nervous about anything and will learn to build positive relationships with family and friends.
- Gemini will learn to look at life through the eyes of an optimist. Representatives of this zodiac sign will be able to perceive the world in a rosy light, while problems will fade into the background.
- Virgos will finally be able to forget about their pride and find the strength to communicate with their family about their problems and desires as openly as possible.
- Lions can wear a gem no more than once every 7 days. Otherwise, a person will lose the ability to realistically assess reality, and ill-wishers will immediately notice this and take advantage of a suitable situation.
- Libra , under the influence of sardonyx, will finally learn to take care of loved ones. People will forget about the habit of looking at others with disdain and will stop thinking selfishly.
- Scorpios should avoid this stone. Otherwise, bad character traits will appear much more clearly.
- Sagittarians can safely try on and wear jewelry with sardonyx. But you shouldn’t expect any help from the stone - it will only act as a decoration.
- Sardonyx is perfect for lakes People will forget about constant anxiety - life will become more measured, calm and stable.
- Aquarians should refuse jewelry with this mineral, because... they will not be able to act on their own, but will listen to their relatives in everything.
Note
Over the centuries-old history of the mineral, sardonyx has been loved by people of all classes. It is surprising that a gem, not on the same level as precious stones, was so revered by the rulers of entire nations of different eras. Apparently, there is something truly enchanting and attractive in this nugget.
Photo gallery of stone
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Talismans and amulets
All kinds of talismans, amulets and amulets are made from the mineral, thanks to which people can improve their lives, get rid of negativity and protect themselves from ill-wishers.
For example, to improve family relationships, you can buy a ball made of semi-precious stone, which stands on a special metal stand.
Talismans and amulets made from this stone help prevent betrayal and attract financial wealth to the family.
At the same time, along with the fact that this mineral is a protector of the family, it can protect its owner from destructive love passion, namely, open his eyes and return him to the real world, protect him from treason and betrayal.
MORPHOLOGY
Polished Brazilian sardonyx balls, 18 mm
Sardonyxes (siliceous geodes) have a concentric-zonal structure, caused by the intermittency of differently colored layers of chalcedony and sometimes quartz. The central parts of geodes are often composed of crystalline-grained quartz, sometimes in the form of brushes of crystals.
Sardonyx, on the one hand, differs from chalcedony - monomineral non-zonal accumulations of this mineral, including its colored varieties, and on the other hand, from hydrothermal jaspers, sometimes found in close association with agates, genetically related to basic and intermediate volcanics, which are dense chalcedony formations containing quartz, quartz and various mechanical impurities - goethite, hematite, celadonite, chlorite and others, the content of which reaches 20-30%, and are opaque even in thin fragments. Such jaspers can form separate parts of agate geodes or form interlayers in them.
Decorations
Sardonyx jewelry looks very impressive. However, the stone cannot be combined with all precious metals, which is not known to everyone.
Jewelry in silver or cupronickel are reliable talismans. But in platinum or gold, the magical significance of sardonyx practically disappears.
Brooch with sardonyx
Let's talk in more detail about sardonyx jewelry:
- Rings made from this crystal can be worn by women regardless of age. Such jewelry will protect its owner from gossip and intrigues.
- Earrings with miniature stones should be purchased for young girls, and large earrings should be purchased for older ladies. Such jewelry will protect you from frivolous actions.
- Thin bracelets are one of the best jewelry for thin hands. Heavier products will look harmonious on chubby hands. However, in any case, the bracelet will protect against all kinds of negativity.
- The beads will ideally highlight the femininity and beauty of the neck, and will also be a reliable talisman that will instill in its owner the thought of her unearthly beauty.
- Brooches made of sardonyx are very popular. They are not only a stylish decoration, but also protect their owner from viral diseases.
- A pendant on a long chain will protect the wearer from heart disease.
- Cufflinks made of dark crystals will go perfectly with any shirt. Such a talisman will instill self-confidence in a man and help him make difficult decisions.
Where is the gem used?
The only area of application of stone is aesthetics and beauty:
- Master stone cutters place the multi-layered structure of the stone in the first place. Especially if among the layers of the gem there is a milky one: this expands the range of subjects and allows you to show personal mastery.
- For jewelers it is an ornamental stone; the best specimens are considered semi-precious.
Product from Sardonyx
Large translucent stones with alternating orange, cherry, purple, pink and brown shades are especially valued.
Jewelry sets are especially important, since it is difficult to choose inserts of the appropriate texture. The price of sardonyx parures increases several times compared to single products.
Collectors like decorative or jewelry “substandard”: these specimens are the most unusual.
Other uses of stone
Sardonyx is used as a finishing material and for making various souvenirs.
It is made from:
- all kinds of massage devices;
- chessmen;
- vases;
- energy pyramids.
In the distant past, beautiful vessels, boxes and many other things were made from this mineral.
Price and care
The cost of sardonyx depends on the number of grams: the average price for 1 gram of processed gemstone on the world market varies from $9 to $12.
Sardonyx is a rather soft stone, which is why jewelry made from it needs to be stored in a special bag.
You need to wear jewelry with gemstones with extreme caution: they should not have any physical impact. Even minor impacts and falls can cause defects to appear on the stone, which will ruin the appearance of the product.
You should not walk in the open rays of the sun wearing jewelry, especially near the sea - there is a high probability that the stone will change its color and look unpresentable.
Important: Laundry, cleaning and dishwashing detergents can spoil the appearance of jewelry containing sardonyx. Therefore, women should definitely remove their bracelets and rings before starting housework.
How to distinguish from a fake?
Natural sardonyx
The first fakes of sardonyx appeared in ancient times - immediately after it gained great popularity. Many researchers believe that this mineral was the first to be counterfeited on a huge scale.
It is almost impossible to distinguish a stone grown artificially from a natural one, but it has the main drawback - it does not bring any benefit.
In recent decades, progress has come very far - it was possible to learn how to create artificial laboratory crystals. An inexperienced person will never suspect that this is not a natural stone. In order not to buy such a stone, you need to ask the seller for a certificate.
A natural mineral will have a certificate of extraction, while an artificial mineral will have a certificate of industrial product. In addition, in the passport the name of the stone is sometimes indicated in quotation marks, and this is a good reason to refuse the purchase.
The easiest way to check the authenticity of a crystal is by tactile sensations - simply press the mineral firmly against the skin. The artificial stone will heat up to body temperature, while the natural stone will remain cold.
What stones does it go with?
Combination of sardonyx and agate in decoration
Sardonyx belongs to the elements Fire and Earth.
Combines with stones such as:
- carnelian;
- variegated agate;
- emerald;
- golden topaz.
Sardonyx should not be combined with:
- dark blue aventurine;
- multi-colored heliotrope;
- emerald;
- diamond;
- bright green chrysolite;
- blood red hyacinth.
Interesting Facts
In the distant past, jewelry with spectacular sardonyx was worn by rulers and nobles. Jewelry made from this mineral that belonged to Cleopatra herself has reached us. In Armenia, during excavations, a burial with jewelry and household items dating back to the 3rd-1st centuries was discovered. BC.
Sardonyx was popular in the Roman Empire. There is a legend according to which an African senator used a signet that was carved on a sardonyx. To her he confirmed his orders.
Since the 14th century, the gem has become extremely popular. Jewelry, cups and figurines were made from it. A little later we learned to make portraits and various symbols.
Owners of this semi-precious stone should remember that alcohol vapors and tobacco smoke significantly reduce the magical and healing properties of the stone.
If the mineral is treated with care, it will delight the owner for many years, and most importantly, it will change his life for the better.
Famous stone masterpieces
The multilayer structure has made sardonyx a valuable material in the art of stone cutting. The subjects for the paintings were portraits of gods and heroes, battles or scenes from life.
Three-layer sardonyx cameo
The most famous stone work is considered to be the Gonzaga cameo. The product looks like a portrait of brother and sister – Ptolemy and Arsinoe, spouses and rulers of Ancient Egypt.
A cameo is distinguished from other similar products by:
- size (the largest in the world);
- three-layer pattern;
- paired image.
Three-layer Gonzaga cameo.
