Although the X-shaped emblem of
St Andrew is always called a cross, it is termed a 'saltire' in
heraldry, and is not a kind of heraldic cross. So it does not partake of all the ornate variations that the
cross has, but is much more like a simple figure such as a
chevron or a
bend. It is naturally very common in
Scottish arms.
A field divided into four parts by an X-shaped line is described as 'per saltire' or 'party per saltire'.
A saltire where each diagonal consists of two narrow bands interwoven with the other diagonal is termed a 'saltire parted and fretty'.