Sardonyx meaning & facts
Sardonyx is a birthstone for August. Sardonyx is traditionally linked with courage, happiness and clear communication.
- Birth month
- August
- Colour
- Bands of reddish-brown and white
- Mineral
- Chalcedony (a form of quartz)
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6.5–7
- Main sources
- India, Brazil and Uruguay
Sardonyx facts
- Its name combines sard (a reddish-brown chalcedony) and onyx.
- Ancient Romans carved sardonyx into seals and cameos.
- It is the oldest of the three August birthstones.
Birthstones by month
Frequently asked questions
What does sardonyx mean?
Sardonyx is traditionally linked with courage, happiness and clear communication.
What month is sardonyx the birthstone for?
Sardonyx is a birthstone for August. The other August birthstones are Peridot and Spinel.
How hard is sardonyx?
Sardonyx rates 6.5–7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which runs from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond).
Gemstone meanings are traditional beliefs, shared for interest rather than as proven properties.