Sard, Sardonyx and Carnelian - What's The Difference?

Sard, Sardonyx and Carnelian are gemstones that are often confused with each other. Firstly, Sard and Sardonyx, although they sound very similar the actually refer to separate varieties of microcrystalline Quartz. Carnelian is also a form of microcrystalline Quartz and we will discuss the distinction between the two shortly. Sard is easily identifiable as a single color stone, while Sardonyx is banded in color with white and brown.  

Onyx and Sardonyx

You will notice that Onyx and Sardonyx have a very similar name. Sardonyx is technically a form of Onyx, but Sardonyx must be brown in color. Unlike Onyx which is black in color.

Carnelian and Sard

As stated above Carnelian and Sard are both forms of microcrystalline Quartz. The only difference between them is their color. There is no clear definition from any gem lab on when one variety stops and the other starts, but we can try to define the difference. Carnelian is a mid toned, orange stone. The darker it gets, the browner it will begin to look and eventually it will be called Sard. The origin of the brown color comes from Iron impurities in the stone.

Sard and Sardonyx Mining Locations

Sard and Sardonyx can be mined in Brazil, Germany, USA, Russia, and the best of the stones coming from India.  Sard stones have been mined and used by men since the Bronze Age and it was named after the Ancient Turkish city Sardis.  The colors can vary from black, white, gray, purple, brown, red , yellow , green and blue.

Holistic Aspects

Sardonyx has a vibration that attracts people to you and can improve your relationships.  Because the stone encourages integrity and good behavior, it can help you enhance your relations between you and your partner or partners.  The joyful vibrations can also help boost creativity if you’re an artist or writer.  The stones are birthstones for a variety of signs including Virgo, Aries, Leo, and Taurus. To best benefit from the stones mystical energies you should place it within a piece of jewelry and carry it at all times.

Sardonyx is a mix of Onyx and layered Sard.  It is a gemstone used as the birthstone for August as well as other decorative jewelries. Sardonyx is believed to have healing properties that are said to boost your happiness, optimism and confidence. The metaphysical properties of Sard and Sardonyx encourage motivation, willpower and strength of character. This property of the stone is great for studying or any activity that requires tremendous focus.  Sard is made of a slight different compound than Sardonyx and is usually a yellowish red to reddish brown.

Uses In History

In ancient Egypt the stones were used for protection against evil spirits and entities and they believed the stones to have very strong physic energies.  The Egyptians also believed that when in the vicinity of the stones crime was significantly reduced.  One of the old ancient techniques that the stone was used for, is to grid the home.  By placing the stones in all of the corners of your home the energies would build up thus creating a protective barrier bordering around your entire house.

The stones are also perfect for mediation, by choosing your method of trance, place the stones on or around you.  This can be great help to reduce stress, anxiety and even help sooth grief and sadness. Other healing properties of the stones include aiding back problems, strengthen immune system and heal bones. The stones can be so empowering that if you are a believer of chakras and spiritual realms it is highly recommended that you take use of its benefits. Sard and Sardonyx are gemstones that have an endless variety of uses and have been used by human cultures since almost the very beginning of mankind.  Its uses are well beyond that of fashion and decorative desires, the stone has proven through history to have astounding metaphysical properties that modern technology still cannot match today.. 

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