Onyx is a unique semi-precious stone with many color variations. The gem is described in many manuscripts, myths and tales, where magical and healing properties are attributed to it. Exquisite jewelry, dishes and weapon handles were made from it, and the chambers of nobles and the thrones of kings were decorated.
Today it is important to know its distinctive properties so as not to purchase a fake, but a real onyx stone.
Historical information about onyx
In historical primary sources, this type of quartz or silicon dioxide was called differently, and its color combinations also differed:
- “Aphrodite’s nails,” as the ancient Greeks called it for the visual resemblance of elongated pebbles with colored sagging, is described with various variations, and healing properties are attributed to it;
- light shades were traditionally called "chalcedon" and were used for jewelry, and their value varied depending on the color and metal in which the semi-precious stone was set;
- black stone was used in occult practices, considered “the stone of magicians and sorcerers”;
- red sardonyx was considered a “stone of power”; it controlled the hidden potential of its owner and directed his energy into a creative direction.
Stone is mentioned in Biblical texts as one of the building materials of Solomon's Temple and in the City of the Future. The third base is made of chalcedony, the fifth base is made of sardonyx - these are color varieties of this mineral. Mesopotamia, where Paradise on earth was, is described as a place where there is “gold ... bdellium (fossilized resin, possibly amber) and onyx stone.”
The Aztecs found a light green gem with brown veins; it was highly valued in their cults. Altars and inserts into the eyes of deities on the pyramids were made from such rare finds.
Many thousands of years ago, knives, cutters, and spear tips were made from fragments of natural glass. Along with bone analogues, they were found in ancient human sites in Italy and Greece.
How to care for stone
Caring for onyx is simple:
- It must be protected from exposure to bright light, especially sunlight, as it may turn pale. Therefore, in summer it is better not to wear jewelry with stones openly (only under clothes).
- It is advisable to store striped gems in a spacious box, and to prevent them from scratching other stones, they should be wrapped in soft cloth.
- Clean the stones as they become dirty, for which you can use a medium-hard brush, soda and running water.
Energy cleansing involves regularly rinsing the stone with cold water, and charging involves placing it under the moonlight.
Physicochemical properties of the mineral
Onyx is a glassy ornamental mineral. Today, imitation chalcedony quartz, what it is from the point of view of geologists, is widely used as finishing panels and countertops in interior design.
Tiles imitating this gemstone are used to decorate buildings and metro stations, along with granite, with which it competes in hardness and beauty. The most valuable pieces of natural gemstones with stripes and beads are used for crafts (stone carvings) and jewelry.
In terms of moisture resistance and resistance to temperature changes, resistance to abrasion and mechanical stress, it is superior to marble, although it is similar in appearance.
Onyx has more shades - natural impurities give rainbow shades to this silicon dioxide, which is rarely monochromatic. It is often confused with other gemstones, including some examples of agate (lighter, matte) and carnelian, although these are also translucent silicas.
Chemical formula – SiO2 (natural volcanic glass with impurities). Accordingly, the mineral has a characteristic glassy luster, which distinguishes it from cheaper stones.
The hardness of onyx on the Mohs scale is within 6-7, density up to 2.65 - 2.667 g/cm³. Conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, visible up to 3-4 cm, which indicates the high transparency of the gem.
For a long time it was believed that black onyx and agate were one and the same. In the 20th century, it turned out that they have a different chemical formula, so the agate has a more matte shine.
Compatibility with other stones
In fact, this mineral is not the most friendly. Its level of interaction with other breeds is low. The strong energy field it creates can be a nuisance in the neighborhood. Undesirable effects from the wrong combination are likely to occur. Therefore, it is advisable to wear it individually, framed in precious metal. However, if you want to wear it at the same time as other gems, you should take into account the characteristics and compare them.
Gems with soft, calming properties can neutralize the strong, bright influence of the presented mineral on a person and they should absolutely not be worn together. These stones include:
- Ruby;
- citrine;
- pearl;
- amethyst.
The possible neighborhood determines the source from which the stone draws resources. Onyx and all its species take energy from Saturn and Mercury. This means that minerals with similar energy will be combined. Here are some examples:
- Pomegranate;
- tourmaline;
- diamond;
- zircon.
Onyx color variations and development locations
Completely black onyx is a very rare stone, but most valued by businessmen, esotericists and adherents of occult practices. Of the colored samples, the rarest variety is the red palette, these are carnelian and sardonyx, the deposits of which are almost completely exhausted.
The most common shades of glassy mineral
The most common are translucent samples with stripes of the following shades:
- gray;
- light green;
- red-brown;
- white;
- pinkish;
- blue;
- honey;
- amber tone.
This gem does not have a pure white and transparent layer or (a fragmentary influx without stripes). Most often, white onyx has a milky, greenish and pinkish tint, less often with blue. The price includes variegated striped and completely black stones.
Interesting facts about onyx
- In ancient times, many aspiring speakers used onyx tumbling. They put several pebbles in their mouths, and tried to speak loudly and clearly. Onyx had an effect on the muscles of the oral cavity comparable to the effect of dumbbells on the muscles of a bodybuilder. Thanks to the smooth surface of the gem, no injuries occurred. And after a couple of weeks of such training, anyone could become an excellent speaker and reciter.
- The Muslim traveler Numan once found in the Red Sea a large onyx with a diameter of 24 cm of absolutely black deep color. This precious find was sent to the Kaaba, where it became an important Muslim shrine.
Gem deposits
The most famous places of gem mining are the Turkmen Kap-Kotan and Karlyuk deposits. In the Cap-Kotan cave, entire stalactites and stalagmites made of onyx have been preserved.
In India and Uruguay there are places where the most beautiful specimens are mined. Onyx deposits in Arabia and Brazil are almost completely exhausted. Rich deposits have recently been discovered in America and Australia. Primorye, Kolyma and Chukotka are deposits in Russia, but due to the climatic conditions of the stone and low cost, they have not been sufficiently developed.
Black onyx is found in the Kaaba shrine, especially revered by Muslims. Deposits for the extraction of this variety are also located in the Arab East, where Islam is practiced. Red sardonyx in traditional mining areas is almost completely exhausted.
As an industrial raw material, the glassy mineral is mined in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Iran and Egypt, Mexico and Turkey. Most often, a single-color mineral is found with characteristic stripes of related shades. These are gray and green, beige and brown onyx.
Classification by shade
Multicolored minerals often have several varieties with their own names, depending on its transparency and primary color:
- sardonyx is the most beautiful stone of red-pink shades with transparent and milky veins;
- carnelian is somewhat reminiscent of sardonyx, but it has more brown-beige tones;
- the thick black variety is known as the “Arab stone”, although sometimes transparent and blue stripes are found in its “cosmic” depth; such stones are used to make rosaries and rings;
- chalcedony is a gray variety, the most beautiful is Crimean chalcedony, with cloudy yellowish and greenish stains;
- brown-green is the most common classic variety, which is often used for large beads and crafts;
- “pure” onyx resembles milk diluted with water and is used as inserts in jewelry.
Occasionally you come across pure yellow, gray-violet and blue specimens, which are not very expensive, but are in demand among those who sell finished products.
Attention! For those who do not know what a real emerald or sapphire looks like, they can sell single-color onyx products (green or blue).
Oriental jewelers can cut off the one-color part, insert it into earrings and rings and sell it as more expensive semi-precious inserts and cabochons.
How to spot a fake
Onyx is a hard stone with the properties of expensive stones, although it is classified as semi-precious or ornamental gems. High hardness leaves no chance of leaving damage on it.
Helpful advice! If you doubt that you have purchased beads from this stone, swipe it with a knife or any hard blade - there will be no scratches or other marks left.
Counterfeits made of colored glass are often passed off as onyx, sold to unlucky tourists and visitors to oriental bazaars at the price of natural stone. A natural gem does not heat up well, so it often has a lower temperature than the surrounding environment.
Looking at how a mineral looks in a photo, it is easy to recognize characteristic stripes and veins - natural stones do not have sharp boundaries between color segments. Contrasting transitions and multi-colored stripes without related shades are most likely a fake.
Note! Sometimes cheaper stones are impregnated with caustic green or red-brown dyes to add brightness. Such beads and pendants quickly fade, so sellers do not hang them on the counters on the sunny side of the market.
In interior design, they do not hide the fact that imitation glass, acrylic or onyx-like porcelain stoneware is used. This is a beautiful decor in the form of countertops and facing tiles.
Application
Onyx is used to make gems, women's and men's jewelry: earrings, rings, pendants, cameos. To do this, it is cut into cabochons, beads, and plates. Since ancient times, this valuable ornamental stone has been used for making small carvings and seals. Certain varieties of onyx are used in the production of decorative items - vases, figurines, boxes, table clocks, candlesticks, tabletops, etc. The mineral is used in mosaics and cladding.
Magical and healing properties of onyx
Often, some qualities of precious and semi-precious stones are greatly exaggerated, but this is precisely what makes them in demand as amulets and talismans.
It is known that yellow onyx in the form of beads or inserts in earrings helps girls prone to depression maintain an optimistic mood.
Black onyx has long been considered a magical stone; owners of a ring or bracelet on their right hand with this mineral had financial success, practically never going broke. Myths and legends also mention that “a stone in a ring as black as a pupil” warned rulers against excessive pride and connections with wicked allies.
Today, black onyx is highly valued among magicians and psychics, healers and esotericists, as it enhances energy potential. It is suitable for strong-willed and purposeful individuals, but for those who are ready to literally go over their heads towards their goal, it ceases to assist and protect from disasters. Prudence gives lovers of gambling.
Important! Doctors say that colored pyramids, balls and egg-shaped massagers are often used by patients with health problems. These figures are applied to the diseased organ, and relief is felt. But fake won't help.
Green stones are traditionally worn in jewelry by those people who strive for well-being. Onyx helps to achieve harmony in family relationships and get rid of debt problems.
As a healing amulet, according to healers, the mineral helps those suffering from stuttering, absent-mindedness, early stage cancer, migraines and weak potency. Onyx beads for elderly ladies can prolong a peaceful old age, “calming” the symptoms of chronic diseases.
Medicinal properties
The centuries-old history of the stone suggests that all its beneficial properties have been studied thoroughly, both theoretically and practically. Combining the knowledge of ancient and modern lithotherapists, the gem is used for the following purposes:
- Pain reliever. Any type of onyx can calm pain, relieve inflammation, swelling or swelling from the problem area. It is enough to apply the mineral to the sore spot.
- For the treatment of heart diseases. A pendant made of Arabic onyx, set in silver, helps with heart pain. For chronic diseases, wearing a pendant made of red stone will help.
- Calming the nervous system. The energy of the mineral drives away bad thoughts, pacifies, and helps overcome insomnia.
- Improving hearing, vision, memory. To do this, it is recommended to wear onyx earrings.
- Problems with bone and muscle tissue. Black nugget accelerates the healing of broken bones and has a beneficial effect on the muscular system and spine.
- Poor circulation. Onyx jewelry improves blood flow, and is especially useful for freezing people with constantly cold extremities.
It is also believed that onyx decoration helps to increase the length and quality of human life.
Onyx stone: who is suitable according to the horoscope
One of the advantages of colored onyx is that it is suitable for almost all representatives of the zodiac cycle, only the color varies.
The red variety or sardonyx is the best stone for bright emotional personalities, channeling their irrepressible ardor in the right direction. This is a talisman of Aries, signs of the fire element; it is better if it is a ball or a carved figurine of an eagle. Black stone is contraindicated for Aries (any kind). Recommended for Capricorns, especially in the form of an amulet with a figurine of a black cat, as well as for Taurus, Libra and Virgo (namely black color).
Geminis should refrain from this gem, but most of all they should avoid it on the eve of the wedding, otherwise it threatens to break the relationship. Superstitious Chinese and Indians warn about this.
This mineral is quite neutral to the other signs of the zodiac; it is worn in combination with other stones - both in the form of jewelry and for medicinal purposes. Therefore, you can safely give a souvenir or chess, an amulet or jewelry with this stone even to that person whose zodiac sign is not known.
Origin story
Translated from Greek, onyx means “nail”. It is believed that the name of the stone is associated with an ancient Greek legend: Eros once cut off Aphrodite’s nails while she was sleeping, and then scattered them across their land. It was them that the gods turned into stone, which later became known as onyx.
Onyx gained particular popularity during the reign of Queen Victoria, who mourned her husband Albert for about 40 years. All this time, black color played a dominant role at court, and the stone perfectly met this requirement.
In nature, onyx is formed in thermal springs under a number of conditions: reaching a certain acidity and water temperature, reducing pressure, concentration of carbonate anhydride, etc. When formed, the stone fills tectonic voids and cracks, and also forms stalagmites in caves. Today, the world's reserves of marble onyx are extremely small.
Rules for purchasing and caring for onyx products
Natural glassy stone is quite durable, strong, and does not lose its properties when stored in any environment. It is enough to wash it from dirt with soapy water and hold it for a while under running water - it will restore its strength without losing its beauty and shine.
Experts say that it is better to buy products made from this stone on the 5th day of the lunar cycle, and start wearing jewelry from it on the 19th. For sardonyx, the same recommendations are 24-1 and 10 days. Carnelian is bought on the third day and worn from the 17th day.
For those who are not interested in the magical properties of stones and amulets, you can buy colored varieties in the form of small inserts in jewelry, wear them for any occasion and wear them for pleasure on any day.
Jewelry stone evaluation
Onyx does not belong to the first row of gems, so it is rarely awarded expensive frames made of gold or platinum. A popular, affordable and sought-after combination for jewelry is onyx in silver.
The gem is not cut, but processed into a round or oval cabochon to maximize the beauty of the stone.
There are jewelry made of stone (beads, bracelets, pendants) and products inlaid with Onyx.
A black monochrome mineral or with white, yellow, golden, green stripes is considered jewelry. But such specimens are rare. They also use light stone - white, gray, blue, pink. A special case is black Onyx. It is used for rings, cufflinks, and bracelets for men that look discreet and status-worthy.
In women's jewelry it is combined with first-line precious stones - emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, rubies and simpler gems - pearls, smoky quartz, and others.
