Onyx is a type of chalcedony (a microcrystalline quartz) found in Brazil, India, Uruguay and California. It can be all one color (as in the solid black onyx) or have bands of color ranging from brown and tan to white.
Because it is a hard stone (7 on the Mohs scale which ranges from 1 - 10 with 10 as the hardest), onyx is usually cut into beads or as a cabochon (polished and shaped into a smooth, dome-like shape with a flat bottom) -- as opposed to being faceted. It is also used for intaglios and cameos.
Ancient Greeks referred to all colors of chalcedony as onyx, but today onyx is generally understood to refer only to the dark brown and black colors.
Onyx facts...
Onyx history and lore...
Onyx has been used for at least 5000 years and was popular with ancient Romans and Greeks. The name onyx comes from the Greek word for fingernail, onychos. According to legend, one day while the goddess Venus slept on the banks of the Indus River, Cupid gave her a manicure with one of his enchanted arrows. When the parings of her nails fell into the waters of the sacred river, the fates turned them into stone (onyx) because no part of a heavenly body could be allowed to die.
Still a highly-valued semi-precious stone today, onyx first became popular during the "Grand Period" of the Victorian era, the period of mourning that Queen Victoria of Britain entered into on the death of her husband, Prince Albert in 1861. During this time, onyx was featured widely used in cameos and other jewelry.
In the Middle East, onyx has been used for centuries as a worry stone, believed to absorb negative energy and thus reduce stress. It is still worn by some in India to protect against the evil eye. Onyx has been featured in cameos, small sculptures, inlay work and beads.
Still a highly-valued semi-precious stone today, onyx first became popular during the "Grand Period" of the Victorian era, the period of mourning that Queen Victoria of Britain entered into on the death of her husband, Prince Albert in 1861. During this time, onyx was featured widely used in cameos and other jewelry.
In the Middle East, onyx has been used for centuries as a worry stone, believed to absorb negative energy and thus reduce stress. It is still worn by some in India to protect against the evil eye. Onyx has been featured in cameos, small sculptures, inlay work and beads.
Onyx healing properties...
Used for centuries as rosary beads, onyx is thought to help allay fears and worries, promote self-control and devotion, and increase stamina and vigor. It is thought to be useful in treating ailments related to soft tissue structures such as fingernails, skin and hair as well as problems related to bones and feet.
