Sardonyx stone in ancient history

The earliest use of sardonyx that can be traced is from the Twenty Second Dynasty and the disc from the Nineteenth Dynasty temple of Meneptah at Memphis, but certainly of later date, called onyx by the finder, appear form the description (white, red and brown) to be sardonyx.

Pliny mentions that the first Roman who wore a sardonyx, according to Demostratus, was the elder Africanus, since whose time this stone has been held in very high esteem.

Sardonyx became very popular after the Twenty First Dynasty, reaching a peak of use (particularly for cameos, intaglios, and ring settings) in the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.

Cameos of sardonyx became popular in classical Greece and Rome and continued to be for many centuries. It was also frequently used as the stone at the end of the chain in the fob watch.

The finest Sardonyx come from India and Arabia, but it is also found in Germany and the Tyrol. It was used as a gemstone, for seal stones and small decorative objects. Roman soldiers wore sardonyx engraved with figures of Mars or Hercules to give them courage.

In the Middle Ages sardonyx was used for healing, especially the eyes. The coolness of the stone when placed on the eyelids was said to bring respite from discomfort.
Sardonyx stone in ancient history

Sapphire gemstone in history

For many ancient pagans, the blue sapphire was believed to attract divine favor. Jewish tradition suggested that the Ten Commandments were inscribed upon sapphire tablets.

The word sapphire has several origin, among them the sapphire comes from the Sanskrit sanipriya which means ‘dear to the planet Saturn’. The actual meaning of the Greek world sapir is ‘blue’.

The earliest records of mining sapphires was about 3,500 years ago in Burma and over 2,500 years ago in Sri Lanka.

The ancient Greek worn sapphire to stimulate the third eye for the purpose expanding psychic awareness. Its indicate that the Greek were aware of the sapphire’s ability to tap the subconscious mind.

Over the years, sapphires have served a variety of purpose, many of them mystical. Like jade the sapphire was beloved to cure illness, particularly of the eye.

Around 1800 it was recognized that sapphire and ruby are gem varieties of corundum.

Sapphire was used by Etruscans, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. It was used frequently in medieval Europe by royalty in brooches and rings. This gemstone has been extremely popular since the 18th century.
Sapphire gemstone in history