Hello, our dear and beloved readers of the Women's Magic website. We are glad that you, as before, gain knowledge from the pages of this resource. Yes, that's right. They do not seek good from good. This old saying can rival even stones in their antiquity, and they, in turn, are the real memory of our planet. Do you already understand what we are hinting at? Yes. There is a new guest in our column from the country of minerals. Black onyx stone, the magical properties and zodiac sign of which we will explore in detail in this review.
Physical properties of onyx
Some will say that onyx is an agate, others will point out its connection with chalcedony, and still others will completely expose the mineral as silica, that is, ordinary quartz. And oddly enough, everyone will be partially right. The stone, which is used equally in bathroom decoration and in magical practices, is a fibrous variety of quartz and can be written with the formula: SiO2.
Like all other chalcedony, onyx has a white streak, a hardness of around six to seven Mohs units and a density of 2.65-2667 g/cm3. But here's transparency! Here the stone is visible by 2-3 centimeters, hence the beauty.
But this is all so-called agate onyx. You will probably be very surprised, but there is another variety of silicas, which are usually called onyxes - these are banded carnelians.
They are also written as SiO2 but have slightly different physical capabilities, so, with the same white color and translucency in thin sections, the shine of carnelian or marble onyx will already be waxy, the fracture will be shell-like, and the density will not exceed 2.64 g/cm3 .
Significant little things, we must tell you! So why are these seemingly different units so similar?
All because of the striping. Both onyx consists of plane-parallel layers of different colors. Here you can find yellow, blue, white, and even green colors, but now we are only interested in its black layer.
After all, black onyx is a jewelry stone and serves as the topic of our conversation today. In other words, as you should have already understood, black quartz does not exist in its pure form; it is just one of the colors of its many layers. If you see a whole block of this color, what you see is just a painted stone.
Even the ancients learned to change the color of agate with the help of sugar, to say nothing of modern chemists, who have a whole range of various reagents at their disposal.
Natural dyes that initially give agates and carnelians such a zebra-like pattern are: hematites, limonites and even silicates.
How to distinguish from a fake
Natural black onyx is more expensive than regular one. Therefore, such a mineral is counterfeited more often than multi-colored specimens. Instead of onyx, the store may sell you a chemically synthesized stone. Usually it contains various polymers, which is why the structure resembles glass and plastic at the same time.
In order not to make a mistake when purchasing, you should pay attention to several points:
- The color of a fake often looks unnatural, especially saturated.
- It has too glassy a sheen, as opposed to the slightly matte sheen of a natural mineral.
- Run the needle over the stone, if there are no scratches, the stone is real.
- Hold it in your hand and watch how quickly the gem warms up. Genuine stones take a long time to heat up, while artificial stones take a long time to heat up.
Sometimes ordinary dark or black agate is passed off as onyx.
In this case, you will notice some differences:
- Onyx has more clearly defined layering. Agate is not characterized by contrast, which means that most likely there will be no white stripes on it.
- The lines of onyx are thinner, almost perfectly parallel. Agate has a more chaotic pattern and thicker stripes.
- Agate has a deep matte shine. Onyx has a more glassy sheen.
Onyx deposit
Despite the fact that onyx is a relatively inexpensive ornamental stone and its production is calculated in tons, not carats, really good examples of this aggregate are rare and are held in high esteem by artisans.
The largest suppliers of onyx are still Brazil with its stone Minas Gerais (sometimes it seems that soon this entire state will be taken out by wagons), Uruguay, India and the countries of the Arabian Peninsula. Also, significant deposits of striped quartz are developed in Bulgaria, Argentina, Algeria, Afghanistan, USA, Egypt, Mongolia, Algeria and Pakistan.
If we talk about Russia, then production takes place in Chukotka, the Urals, the Primorsky Territory and Kamchatka. At the same time, Kolyma, Yakutia and Transbaikalia remain “in reserve”. Huge deposits of agates and carnelians have also been discovered in these regions, but they have not yet been mined.
Compatibility with other minerals and the difference between the original stone and the fake one
Some are interested in the compatibility of the gem with other mineral stones. It's worth noting that it actually combines well with certain minerals. That is why quite often it is added to talismans and jewelry that are made from other stones.
Cubic zirconia is one of the stones with which onyx is well compatible
Most often it is combined with:
- sapphires;
- rubies;
- emeralds;
- diamonds.
Particularly popular among young girls are products in which this gem is used together with cubic zirconia.
This combination of minerals makes almost any piece of jewelry beautiful.
When buying onyx, many people do not know how to distinguish this mineral from a fake. The easiest way to distinguish them is by their appearance. The fact is that non-natural stones, which are made from polymer clay, have very clear patterns. In real gems, their contours are slightly blurred.
Gemini and Pisces should avoid wearing onyx
Application of onyx
Until recently, onyx had any significance only for jewelers and artisans, but today the bulk of the unit is used in interior decoration. Agate and carnelian sections are used to make countertops, wall tiles, and line the surfaces of fireplaces and pool bowls in saunas with the mineral. And if you manage to organize lighting under the stone, the beauty is indescribable.
There are several commercial grades of this mineral available.
This:
- Bianco - white stone with yellow layers
- Gently Green - spotted yellow-green onyx
- Vulcano - this mineral contains three colors at once. White, pink and red.
- But the most interesting is Fantastico. Here, on a black background, you can find almost all onyx colors, from pale pink to bright red.
And this is how this stone might look in the interior:
As our ancestors would say: blunder!
Description of the stone
Black onyx is characterized by a charcoal hue. But sometimes you can see whitish blotches on it, which makes it look like a gloomy starry night. It is possible that stones are completely plain or have stripes. Striped stones with white lines are called “zebra”; among agate rocks they are especially highly valued.
Untreated onyx looks dull and unattractive in its original form. But in the hands of jewelers it is transformed beyond recognition.
Its edges acquire a glassy shine, and the color becomes richer and deeper.
Black onyx is considered an ornamental stone. Its dense but pliable structure allows you to create interesting figures and decorations from it. The dark color contrasts and looks expressive on the skin, shading it. Onyx souvenirs and figurines look expensive and symbolic. These items can be used as talismans and amulets.
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Publication from AUTHOR'S JEWELRY ❤️ (@handmade.venera) February 27, 2020 at 9:27 PST
The magical properties of black onyx
Well, we found out what onyx looks like, we examined the main characteristics, it’s time to look at the mineral in the context of its magical properties, because the stone is not simple and has a complex history.
Let's start with the name itself. Most etymologists are inclined to think that onyx translated from Greek means nail, and to be more precise, the nail of the goddess of love herself, Aphrodite. The prankster Eros, aka Cupid, cut them off from his sleeping mother, and that’s how they ended up with people.
This is precisely what can explain that the black stone has become a symbol of love, a talisman of marital ties and a talisman of fidelity. The ancients believed: in a house in which there is onyx, fun does not subside.
But it is also a biblical symbol. Even if we forget the fact that striped agate is included in the list of twelve stones of the high priest, that is, it decorated the breastplate, we can recall the Temple of Jerusalem, where onyx decoration was also present, as well as the dwelling of King Solomon, whose translucent mineral served as “glass” for the windows.
They didn’t forget to mention the mineral in the Bible itself, so in the book of Genesis you can read the following lines:
A river came out of Eden to water Paradise; and then divided into four rivers. The name of one is Pison: it flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold; and the gold of that land is good; there is bdellium and onyx .
But, we move further, namely to the Muslim city of Kaaba, there, of course, there are no Orthodox churches, but the admirers of the prophet did not stray far from biblical traditions and mounted a block of black onyx into the wall of their mosque.
You will never guess what all this is about, and what relation natural onyx may have to religion. Yes, absolutely none!
But he is very good at oratory. Having secured stone doping, the holy fathers, high priests and prophets could really ignite their flock with their words to exploits.
But the talents of onyx don’t end there, because it is also called the stone of dogs! Like a devoted dog, the mineral protects its owner from damage and the evil eye. Absorbs all the negative energy directed at him, and at the same time expels the worm of vengeance from the soul.
Well, one more little thing: the onyx amulet protects against accidental death, which means that for the driver it is generally an irreplaceable thing.
The exceptional healing properties of the stone are also admired. The mineral has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and even helps against obesity, but this scourge of the twenty-first century is not so easy to cope with.
In addition, onyx calms the nervous system, normalizes blood pressure and relieves a person of phobias. Quite a bit like semi-jewelry, right?
History of the gem
Onyx stone is found in legends and folk tales of different peoples. This mineral was mentioned by the ancient Greeks, Romans, followers of Islam, Assyrians, and Aztecs. The gems were used to decorate the chambers of royals and monarchs, funeral crypts, ritual paraphernalia, and dishes.
Historical figures who possessed the gem:
- Louis IX;
- Charles V;
- Pope;
- Napoleon Bonaparte.
From the ancient Greek language “onyx” is translated as “nail”. Easterners gave the nugget the name “al jazzo,” which means “sad,” and in India the stone was called “tears of the mountain spirit.”
A variety of white onyx is included in the list of 12 biblical stones. It is mentioned in the Holy Scriptures that the Jerusalem temple was built from this translucent mineral.
Who is onyx suitable for according to the horoscope?
But if you want to know everything about the onyx stone, you won’t be able to do it with properties and characteristics alone; you also need to read the verdict of astrologers. After all, it may well happen that the mineral simply does not suit your zodiac sign. So we look.
The ideal situation is if you were born under the sign of Cancer. Overcome modesty and indecision, and the world will be at your feet. And black onyx will help cope with these complexes.
The stone will also solve the problems of Gemini, helping to find harmony in their dual nature and adding a bit of leadership qualities to the representatives of the sign.
If we already touched on the problem of leadership, then we cannot help but recall the ambitious Leo. Of course, this quality is all right with him, but if you push a little more, you can get another historical figure.
The unit will have an interesting effect on Scorpios, simply by giving them a life goal. Do you think it's a small thing? Ha! For stingtails, this is even more than necessary.
By the way, have you ever seen a purposeful Aquarius, the kind who didn’t just set a goal for five minutes, but set a goal for years? Well, then give him an onyx ring or, what would be better for women, a pendant.
Well, who obviously won’t work with the black mineral is Pisces. Well, they have a completely different spirit from the stone, their temperament is not at all similar. We understand that this may sound like a bunch of unconfirmed words, but, unfortunately, everything said above is confirmed by experience. Well, Pisces don’t get along with black onyxes and that’s that.
Distinctive features of the gem
The main characteristic is striping. Different combinations of impurities or inclusions create parallel layers, but single-color specimens are also found in natural conditions. Other features:
- the line left by the stone is white;
- high frost resistance;
- ability to absorb water;
- heterogeneity of color;
- no deformation due to external influence.
The gem is formed as a result of a sedimentary process. The formation at the final stage is completed by crystallization of the rock. Color is given by substances such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and chlorides.
Additional Information
Proper and timely care ensures longevity of products.
Basic recommendations:
- You should not use abrasive detergents for cleaning, because... aggressive components destroy the structure of the coating. It is better to use liquids containing chlorine and natural substances: lemon juice, mustard powder, a weak solution of vinegar, toothpaste.
- Red wine and coffee stains must be removed immediately.
- After cleaning the bathtub and sink, the surfaces should be rinsed generously with water and wiped thoroughly.
- The material should be protected from impacts and hot objects.
Defects (scratches, chips, cracks) can be eliminated using special compounds. The product is applied to the damaged areas in a thin layer and left until dry.
Amulets and talismans
An onyx amulet is recommended for the following people:
Fans of extreme sports. The stone does not discourage risk taking and does not change personality, but it protects the owner from accidents and prevents sudden death. Thanks to the amulet, the owner can avoid dangers.
Speakers. Onyx is useful, for example, for both bosses and mentors. It helps to convince people, make compromises that are beneficial to oneself, and win the sympathy of others. It is easier for the owner to gain trust. He feels more confident in front of an audience and behaves naturally, always finding something to interest the audience.
Lawyers. Onyx helps to organize thoughts, activate mental activity and look at the situation from different angles. Professionals notice details that might have escaped their attention over time. They find solutions faster and do not waste time when they have to react at lightning speed to changing circumstances.
For politicians. Onyx is an attribute of leaders, so it helps to increase the social status of the owner. Thanks to this, a person easily wins the sympathy and respect of others and finds many like-minded people.
Those associated with the church. If a person prays often, then with the help of a precious stone it will be easier for him to attract the attention of higher powers. For priests, onyx will help spread their influence and guide more people on the right path. The sermons will become so convincing that even those who are far from religion will begin to think about philosophical things.
