Pronunciation: [sˈɑːdɪəs] (IPA) 
Sardius is a gemstone mentioned in the Bible, believed to be ancient carnelian. The spelling of the word is based on its Greek origin and pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription of sardius is /sɑr.di.əs/. The ‘s’ sound at the beginning is followed by an ‘a’ pronounced like ‘ah’. The ‘d’ in the middle is pronounced as a soft ‘dh’ sound. The final syllable is pronounced ‘ee-us’ with a long ‘i’ sound followed by a soft ‘s’ sound.
Sardius, also known as sard or carnelian, is a gemstone that is part of the chalcedony family. It is a translucent, reddish-brown to deep red mineral that is primarily composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2). Sardius derives its name from the ancient city of Sardis in present-day Turkey, where it was first discovered and mined. This gemstone has been prized for thousands of years for its beauty and often used in jewelry and ornamental pieces.
The color of sardius can vary, ranging from a pale orange to a rich, deep red. It is usually found in abundance and can be found in locations worldwide, including Brazil, India, Uruguay, and Madagascar. Sardius is often heat-treated to enhance its color or to remove any impurities. The stone has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable and suitable for various types of jewelry.
In ancient times, sardius was believed to have protective powers and was used as a talisman against negative energy and malevolent forces. It was also associated with courage, confidence, and vitality. In some cultures, it was believed to have healing properties and was utilized in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Today, sardius continues to be highly valued for its aesthetic appeal and is often used in necklace pendants, rings, beads, and other jewelry pieces. Its warm and vibrant color makes it a popular choice for both men's and women's accessories.
The sard; a precious stone mentioned in Scripture; one set in Aaron's breastplate.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "sardius" has its etymology rooted in the ancient world. It originates from the Latin word "sardius", which was derived from the Greek word "sárdios". The Greek word, in turn, is believed to have its origins in the name of the ancient city of Sardis in modern-day Turkey. Sardis was famous for its deposits of a reddish-brown gemstone known as carnelian, which is an orange variety of the mineral chalcedony. The gemstone's vivid color likely led to its association with the city and subsequently gave rise to the term "sardius" for the gemstone itself. Over time, this term took on a symbolic or metaphorical connotation, referring to things colored like or similar to the gemstone.
