Sard: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'sard' comes from the Latin 'sardius', which has roots in ancient Greek.
• This gemstone's name is linked to the Persian city of Sardis, where it was originally found and discovered.
• The term 'sard' has been used since the Ancient times to describe gemstones of this color.

Historical Significance

• In ancient Rome, sard was part of the official seal used by emperors, showcasing its importance.
• Sard was commonly referenced in the Bible, where it was one of the stones in the breastplate of the high priest, symbolizing strength.
• Throughout history, warriors believed wearing sard would ensure their protection and bring them luck in battle.

Cultural Significance

• In some cultures, sard is thought to bring vitality and boost courage, often worn as a talisman.
• This gemstone has appeared in various art forms, symbolizing love and protection in literature and poetry.
• Many artisans favor sard for carving intricate designs due to its hardness and ability to hold detail well.

Collectibles and Market

• Sard is part of the chalcedony family, which makes it sought after by collectors and jewelers alike.
• Color variations and patterns in sard stones significantly influence their market value.
• Rarely cut into shapes other than cabochon, sard stones even influence trends in the jewelry market.

Science and Geology

• Sard is a variety of chalcedony, which is itself a form of quartz, made from silicon dioxide.
• Its reddish-brown hue results from iron oxide impurities within its crystal structure.
• Being durable, sard is often used in carving, indicating its practical applications and resilience.

Ranking #37,391, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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