Sardonyx
Summary
A precious stone combining layers of sard and onyx, listed as the fifth foundation of the heavenly Jerusalem.
☩Description
The sardonyx is a beautiful variety of onyx, consisting of alternating layers of sard (or carnelian) with white chalcedony. The name is compounded from 'sard' and 'onyx,' indicating its combined qualities. According to Pliny, sardonyx 'was formerly understood, as its name implies, a sard with a white ground beneath it, like the flesh under the fingernail.'
☩Varieties and Uses
The finest kind, known to ancient writers as the 'Oriental sardonyx,' had at least three strata—a black base, an intermediate band of white chalcedony, and a superficial layer of red or brown. The black was regarded as typifying humility, the white chastity, and the red modesty or martyrdom. It was frequently used for seals and cameos, with the best kind obtained from India or Arabia.
☩Biblical Significance
The sardonyx is mentioned only once in Scripture, as the stone garnishing the fifth foundation of the wall of the heavenly Jerusalem.
Related Verses1 mention
Revelation· 1 verse
See Also
References
- 1.James Hastings (ed.), "Sardonyx," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Sardonyx," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sardonyx," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Sardonyx," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 5.James Hastings (ed.), "Sardonyx," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 6.James Hastings (ed.), "Sardonyx," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 7.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sardonyx," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).