The open encyclopedia of minerals
Mineralogist.org
Minerals A–ZSearchCollectionsBrowse by PropertyIdentify a SpecimenCompare MineralsLocalities MapGlossaryContribute Search the Database →
Variety · Silicate

Sardonyx

SiO₂

Banded sard-and-white chalcedony, the original cameo stone.

Hardness7
Crystal systemTrigonal
ClassSilicate
Sardonyx specimen

Roman; Cameo; Gems — Photo: Wikimedia Commons · CC0

Sardonyx

Onyx is a typically black-and-white banded variety of agate, a silicate mineral. The bands can also be monochromatic with alternating light and dark bands. Sardonyx is a variety with red to brown bands alternated with black or white bands. The name "onyx" is also frequently used for level-banded (parallel-banded) agates, but in proper usage it refers to color pattern not band structure.

Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).

Sardonyx is a mineral variety of Quartz, with the chemical formula SiO₂.

It crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system.

Key properties: Mohs hardness 7; typically red or brown or white.

Collections: Gemstones.

Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data and a Wikipedia introduction — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet. Browse more S minerals or help write this entry.