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  • Sard

Sard

Quartz

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV
Published: June 2014
Modified: February 2022
Sard Polished Sard Jewelry
Table of Contents
  • General Information
  • Sard Colors
  • Countries of Origin
  • History
  • Care
  • More About Sard

Sard is a translucent chalcedony that is brown to dark reddish-brown. It is formed from the deposition of silica at low temperatures from silica-rich waters percolating through cracks and fissures in other rocks. Sard is darker and browner in tone than carnelian. The brown color is thought to come from iron impurities and the color might be lightened by heat treatment. Pliny the Elder reported that the stone came from the Persian city of Sardis or Sardes which is now known as the modern city of Sart, Turkey. The stone could also get its name from the Persian word sered which translates to yellowish red. Sard is often used for signet rings and decorative materials.

General Information

  • Classification
  • Optical Properties
  • Characteristic Physical Properties
  • Chemistry & Crystallography
Common Name
Sard
Species
Quartz
Transparency
Semitransparent - Semitranslucent
Dispersion
Strength: None
Refractive Index
1.532-1.539
Birefringence
0.004
Optic Character
Uniaxial
Optic Sign
Positive
Polariscope Reaction
Aggregate (AGG)
Fluorescence
SWUV: Inert
LWUV: Inert
Pleochroism
None
Hardness
6.5-7
Streak
White
Specific Gravity
2.560-2.680 Typical:2.600
Toughness
Excellent
Luster
Vitreous, Greasy
Stability
Good
Fracture
Conchoidal, Granular
Cleavage
None
Chemical Name
silicon dioxide (aka silica)
Chemical Formula
SiO2
Crystal System
Trigonal
Chemistry Classification
Silicate

Sard Colors

  • Brown Sard
    Brown
  • Red Sard
    Red

Countries of Origin

Mongolia; United States of America (the); Unknown; Russian Federation (the); Germany; India

History

Sard has been mined since the Bronze Age. Stones mined in India were used in the inlay decoration called parchin kari in the Taj Mahal. It was thought to have been used to ward off enchantments and spells. Cabochons have been found in the Cheapside Hoard in Great Britain. The red brown stones from the Caucasus Mountains were used by Fabergé to create figurines for the Russian Imperial court.

Care

Normal care

More About Sard

In ancient Egypt Sard was thought to protect against evil spirits. In India it was used to protect against sorcery. The Prophet Mohammad mentioned that sard would produce prosperity and bring happiness.

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