Sardonyxes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of layered gemstone known for its rich coloration and distinct bands of white and reddish-brown hues
2. Referring to a variety of onyx that showcases a mix of sard and chalcedony, valued in jewelry and ornamentation
3. Describing the ornamental stone characterized by its unique stripes of different colors, often used in art and decoration

Etymology: "Sardonyxes" is simply the plural of "sardonyx," a banded gemstone that combines layers of reddish sard (a form of carnelian) with white or pale onyx. The stone's name is a Greek compound, though the sense of its second half is not fully settled by the evidence: "sardonyx" passed into Latin and then into Middle English, where it appears by about 1382. Its doublet "sardoin" came into English along a separate route, so the two words are relatives that entered the language at different times. The plural follows the regular English pattern for words ending in -x, so "sardonyxes" takes "-es" rather than a bare "-s."