Sard
/sɑːd/noun
A reddish-brown variety of chalcedony, especially when cut as a gemstone or used in seals.
Did you know?In antiquity, sard was often used for engraved signet gems, so its name became tied to identity, authority, and the power to authenticate a message by pressing wax.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
sardios
“A reddish gemstone, especially carnelian or sard”
Latin
Latin
sardius
“A sard or carnelian stone”
Late Latin
Latin
sarda
“A sard stone”
Old French
French
sarde
“A sard, a reddish-brown gemstone”
Middle English
English
sard
“A reddish-brown precious stone, especially used in seals”
Modern English
English
sard
“A reddish-brown variety of chalcedony”