What is onyx: magical and healing properties, description and history, jewelry

• What: ornamental;
• Deposits: Pakistan, Iran, Egypt, Mongolia, Argentina, Australia and Bulgaria, Russia and the CIS (Irkutsk region, Yakutia, Kamchatka, Chukotka, Ural);
• Colors: Brown with white and black patterns, red-brown, brown-yellow, honey, white with yellowish or pinkish layers;
• Mohs hardness: 7;
• Transparency: Translucent to a depth of 3-4 cm;
• Density: 2.65—2.667 g/cm³;
• Formula: SiO2;
• Suitable person according to zodiac sign: Everyone;
• How much does it cost: from 50 to 10,000 rubles.

Onyx is an extraordinary and mystical stone. Since ancient times, people have attributed to it many magical properties, including protecting its owner from damage, the evil eye, accidents and even some diseases.

However, the stone is not suitable for everyone as a talisman. Read more about the magical power of onyx stone and how to determine whether it is right for you in our article.

Sacred meaning of the stone

Onyx is mentioned in ancient Greek mythology. According to legend, the stone was created when Eros accidentally cut off Aphrodite's nails. Beautiful nails immediately turned into a semi-precious mineral.

The mineral is also important for world religions:

1. In Christianity, it is mentioned twice in the Bible: as a stone that was present in Eden and as one of the 12 gems in the ring of the high priest Aaron.
2. In Islam, black onyx is inserted into the wall of a mosque in the city of Kaaba.

Currently, the significance of the mineral is confirmed by clergy, esotericists and even doctors.

History and origin of the mineral

In the mythology of Ancient Greece, there is a legend about how the stone came to people. It tells the story of how Eros, the son of Aphrodite, broke his mother’s nail while playing with a spear.

Then a crystal fragment of Aphrodite's nail fell from heaven to earth, turning into a beautiful agate stone. Because of the belief, the stone acquired its name.

Onyx means “nail” in Greek.

The real history of the stone goes back a long way. During excavations, vessels and figurines made of minerals made around the 5th–6th centuries BC were found. e., were found on the territory of Ancient Egypt and Babylon. The stone had a special sacred meaning. They attributed magical properties to it, decorated temples with it, and made ritual attributes out of it.

Description, colors and characteristics

Onyx is characterized by heterogeneity of color. The stone has many stripes of different shades. This is due to the diversity of its chemical composition.

The stone has a rich color palette: from light green to rich dark shades. Such a wide range of colors makes it possible to classify according to this criterion.

So, according to the predominant color pigment, the mineral is divided into 4 groups:

• carneolonyx (red-white);
• sardonyx (brown-orange).
• Arabic (black);
• pure (white onyx).

List of colors:

The last two varieties are valued higher, which is explained by their greater magical potential.

There are also gray onyxes. Their color is due to the high content of chalcedony in the mineral. It is because of chalcedony that some people confuse onyx with agate.

The stones are really similar, but there are also differences: for example, agate is matte and light, since its physical density is lower than that of onyx.

Natural onyx has high strength, which is explained by its quartz nature. The hardness of the stone (7 on the Moss scale) allows it not to deform under external influence.

Physico-chemical properties of stone

How to distinguish from a fake?

Knowing the exact characteristics of a stone, you can easily determine its authenticity.

So, to easily recognize a fake, remember that real onyx:

1. It has a harmonious color and does not contain sharp transitions. If the transition looks unnatural and too contrasty, then most likely this is a fake.
2. Characterized by high strength. As mentioned above, the strength of the stone allows it to avoid deformation. This means that if you run a blade across the surface of the mineral, not even a scratch will remain.
3. Conducts heat poorly. Even when exposed to temperatures, the mineral heats up slowly.

Artificial onyx

Onyx is not a precious stone; it is considered a fairly cheap mineral. But people have learned to produce its analogues manually in less expensive and more efficient ways.

The mineral is synthesized from natural mineral components, polyester resins, and coloring pigments. This onyx is often used as a building material. But some scammers use it in making jewelry.

Composite onyx can be made independently in the laboratory using special reagents.

How to distinguish a mineral from a fake

What is good in construction is extremely undesirable for jewelry. In jewelry, artificial onyx quickly loses its original appearance, fading, acquiring a dull tone. In addition, synthetics are devoid of natural energy, magical and medicinal properties.

To avoid buying jewelry with artificial stones, purchase them from trusted stores where authenticity can be confirmed with a certificate.

But if you need to distinguish a real gem from a fake, keep a few differences in mind:

• Natural onyx has smooth color transitions and a harmonious shade. Most often, the fake looks unnaturally bright and contrasty.
• If you run a needle over a real stone, there will be no scratches on it, unlike a fake.
• Artificial stone conducts heat well, so if you hold it in your hands for a couple of minutes, it will heat up faster than real stone.

Proper care of onyx

In terms of care, the stone is not picky. To maintain a beautiful appearance, it is enough to store stone products in a box and prevent them from rubbing on hard surfaces.

You can clean onyx using a regular medium-hard toothbrush and a mild soap solution.

If the product contains other jewelry material in addition to onyx, you can use a baking soda solution for cleaning.

Onyx jewelry, combination with other stones

Currently, there is a wide range of onyx products on sale. There are both jewelry made of pure stone (pendants and pendants) and precious items inlaid with onyx.

The natural beauty of the mineral allows it to look prestigious without any processing.

Onyx inserts into rings or bracelets add not only magical properties to the product, but also make them more attractive from an aesthetic point of view.

Esotericists recommend combining onyx with silver for greater effect. This metal contains magic and great healing potential. Silver enhances the magical effect of interaction with the stone.

Combination with gold

Combination with silver

The combination of gold and onyx can also be very successful from an energetic point of view. Gold is considered a metal that awakens leadership qualities.

This characteristic makes it similar to onyx, so the magic of the stone with this combination will be twice as strong.

It is not recommended to wear onyx in combination with pearls, amethyst or ruby. These stones have a calming effect, which means they will interfere with the development of leadership potential.

How much does onyx cost and when to buy?

The average price ranges from 10 rubles per 1 g. Yes, it is valued in grams, since it is not a precious stone. The most expensive are white and black onyx. The cost of jewelry is, of course, influenced by the setting. For example, in silver - from 4 thousand rubles, and for gold - from 12-17 thousand. If you want to buy in simple metal, then the price starts from 1 thousand.

Important: You should buy onyx on the 5th lunar day, but start wearing it on the 19th day. At the same time, sardonyx has its own time - 24 and 10, respectively. But buy and wear carnelian on the 3rd and 17th lunar days.

Price

Onyx is a semi-precious stone, so the price of products made from it is very modest. The highest price per gram is for black and white onyx.

This type of onyx is considered the rarest, since such stone is mined only in Arab countries.

In addition, bright onyxes are highly valued. The cost depends on the beauty of the drawing. If the natural pattern has a variety of stripes and layers, then the cost per gram of stone will be higher.

Onyx jewelry can be expensive. Their high cost occurs when they contain precious materials in addition to onyx.

Natural onyx for cladding costs from 100 rubles per kg. for agate and from 50 rubles for marble onyx.

The same cost for onyx slabs for tables. On average, such a countertop costs from 10 thousand rubles (when calculating the final cost, the weight of the finished product is taken into account).

Mineral in jewelry

Onyx can be easily processed, so you can create any thing from the stone. This mineral is classified as an ornamental gem, but it is used to create not only costume jewelry, but also jewelry in precious settings.

Types of decorations

Using onyx, they create any type of jewelry:

• rings;
• earrings;
• bracelets;
• beads;
• necklace;
• pendants;
• brooches;

The stone is used to complement combs, wristwatches, tie pins, and cufflinks. Some jewelry is inlaid with inserts of carved stone images.

Color spectrum

The onyx palette is very unusual. A wide variety of colors are combined in one stone. Some samples are one color. According to the nature of the color, the gem is divided into varieties:

• Carnelian (carnelian) is a striped red and white mineral.

• Arabic onyx can be black and white or completely black.
• Sardonyx is a variety with alternating white and orange or brown stripes.
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• Chalcedony is a striped gray-white nugget.

• Three-layer onyx is a stone of the Carnelian palette, complemented by gray-blue stripes.

This is a basic color palette that combines commonly found patterns. In fact, the variety of colors is much greater. For example, there are green onyxes, the white stripes of which are barely perceptible, due to which the gem seems uniformly colored. There are also white and pink samples. These stones are popular among jewelers - they are inserted into women's jewelry made of precious metals.

For men

Arabic onyx is considered a masculine stone; it is this stone that dominates in jewelry for the stronger half of humanity. Finding the right accessory at an affordable price is not difficult:

• Cufflinks made of 925 sterling silver with inserts – 3,700 rubles.

  
  Cufflinks with Onyx

• Rosary made of 33 onyx beads – 2500 rubles.

  
  Beads

• Signet made of 585 red gold with Arabic onyx and cubic zirconia – 22,000 rubles.

  
  Signet with natural stone

• Silver bracelet with eight beads – 10,000 rubles.

  
  Bracelet

• Tie clip made of 14 karat red gold with insert – 45,000 rubles.

  
  Gold tie clip with Onyx

Charcoal black onyx inserts complement the premium segment jewelry. For example, a tie clip made of combined 18-carat gold (white and yellow), studded with diamonds (1.16 carats/216 pieces), topped with one Arabic onyx, will cost the owner 350-400 thousand rubles.

For women

Black inserts are no less popular among women's jewelry. But besides the Arabic gem, other color solutions are used in products for women. Different prices:

• Ring made of 925 sterling silver with one onyx framed with marcasites – 3,300 rubles.

  
  Ring with Onyx

• Silver pendant topped with a green gem – 4,000 rubles. Suspension
• Carnelian bracelet with brass clasp – 1600 rubles.

  
  Carnelian bracelet

• Brooch made of cupronickel silver plated with a striped nugget insert – 2500 rubles.
• Stud earrings made of 14 karat yellow gold, with black gem inserts with a total weight of 3.30 carats - 16,000 rubles.

  
  Earrings

The price of gold jewelry inlaid with onyxes and diamonds starts from several tens of thousands of rubles.

Popular types of cuts

Most often, onyx is cut into a smooth cut - cabochon or ball. Cabochon shapes are not limited to circle and oval. The decorations contain inserts in the form of a crescent, heart, rectangle, boat, drop, diamond. Beads, bracelets, and rosaries are made from spherical stones. Sometimes onyxes are cut using the simplest mixed cut, applying facets to the front surface of the stone.

Stone setting

Despite the fact that onyx is an ornamental stone, in addition to jewelry alloy (costume jewelry), it is inserted into products made of precious metals. For the frame, 925 sterling silver, 585 or 750 colored gold are used.

Compatibility with other stones

Varieties of stone combine energetically with each other. In addition, onyx is “friendly” with the following minerals:

• golden topaz;
• emerald;
• moss agate

Unfavorable combination:

• zircon;
• chrysolite;
• chrysoprase;
• aventurine;
• heliodor;
• ruby.

Onyx's frequent neighbor, the diamond, is also not a very suitable company. Contradictions arise when coral and adularia are adjacent.

How to wear

Strict, laconic, but at the same time elegant jewelry with black onyx will perfectly highlight any eye color, highlight fair skin, and emphasize facial features and body curves. Such accessories will suit any wardrobe, excluding black or dark shades, with which the stone will blend in.

Jewelry set with Onyx

As for striped minerals, it is more difficult to choose clothes for them. The color of the outfit should be combined with the overall color theme of the product. You should not combine jewelry with multi-colored onyx and other colored nuggets in one look.

Wearing onyx correctly is necessary not only aesthetically, but also energetically. This gem is endowed with powerful energy that tires the owner. Constant contact over time puts pressure on a person and causes anxiety. If the owner of the mineral received such a sign, then it’s time to take a break from each other. In addition, onyx works as an accumulator of negativity. By absorbing negative energy, the stone protects the owner from it. Therefore, the mineral needs regular cleaning.

Care instructions

Caring for onyx requires following basic rules:

• The gem does not like high humidity, bright sunlight, or chemicals.
• Separate storage is recommended.
• When cleaning, do not use hard bristles.

The best way to clean a gem is to rinse it under running water and lightly rub it with a soft brush.

How to spot a fake

Even the relatively low price of a stone does not protect against counterfeiting. Onyx is imitated along with more expensive gems in two ways:

• The cheapest varieties of agate are treated with chemicals that make the appearance of fakes closer to natural stone.
• Production of a synthetic polymer that imitates a natural gem in color and pattern.

The first option can be identified after a while - the chemical treatment is unstable. The colors and patterns will wash out, fade, and the mineral will lose its original appearance very quickly.

The artificial polymer produces unnatural brightness of colors and clarity of patterns. The stone from the bowels of the earth is endowed with softness of color, smooth transitions, and the hand of nature is felt in every line.

Magical properties of onyx

Onyx is a stone with character.
It is not suitable for everyone as a magical talisman. Since ancient times, he was considered the patron of the strong-willed and strong. It helps to reveal and nourish their leadership qualities, and also sobers their thoughts.

Many rulers kept onyx cups on their tables. The mineral allowed one to remain sober even during a feast and not forget about important government affairs.

Traditionally, onyx is considered a “male” stone, but it is also suitable for women with a strong-willed character.

The times of kings are long behind us for most countries of the world, but the stone still remains a talisman for true leaders.

He will become a faithful assistant for a person with a strong-willed and courageous character.

The gem puts thoughts in the right direction and helps the leader remain respected in the eyes of his subordinates. In addition, jewelry made from this stone gives the owner confidence in his abilities, removes anxieties, fears and doubts.

Onyx has been a talisman for many legendary personalities. This stone is mentioned even on the first pages of the Bible. This popularity is easily explained.

The gem is not only very beautiful, but also energetically strong. It helps not only leaders, but also speakers.

The stone is especially suitable for people on whose eloquence their professional success depends (for example, politicians or lawyers).

Onyx jewelry is an indispensable talisman during public appearances. With the help of the mineral you can not only cope with anxiety, but also pick up the keys to any audience. Such a speaker will be able to charm even the most pretentious listener.

Those whose profession involves constant risk to life should also pay attention to the mineral: rescuers, firefighters, police officers, etc.

The fact is that the stone is a powerful amulet. Being constantly with the owner, the stone can significantly reduce the likelihood of an accident, betrayal and other difficult life circumstances.

The black mineral is considered a talisman for entrepreneurs. It will help direct financial flows in the right direction.

The owner of onyx jewelry will be able to conclude the most profitable deals and make useful contacts. The stone helps you get in the right frame of mind and activates your entrepreneurial spirit.

At the same time, the stone will not allow its owner to turn into a greedy despot. With constant interaction with the stone, he will be able to maintain sobriety of thoughts, which means that the thirst for profit will not completely take over him.

Onyx can be given to a person who lacks self-confidence. For example, before being appointed to a new important post. In this case, the stone will help you feel more confident and immediately set boundaries at your new place of work.

As one interacts with the stone, a person acquires all the qualities that the stone protects. Soon the recipient will gain self-confidence and become ready for great achievements.

During the session, students will also be able to appreciate the magical properties of onyx. With the help of a stone you can not only cope with anxiety, but also convince the teacher of your knowledge.

A talisman made from this mineral will be a good gift for a child before entering university: it will help him successfully study and build a career in the future.

Please note: the stone does not protect dishonest career advancement. As soon as the owner of the talisman begins to “go over their heads,” onyx loses its magical properties.

Esotericists note that the powerful energy field of the stone can turn its weak-willed owner into a real business shark. To prevent the thirst for profit from completely taking over a person, it is recommended not to wear jewelry with a stone all the time.

Who is suitable according to zodiac sign?

Astrologers also paid attention to the mineral.

According to them, the magical properties of onyx stone for various zodiac signs are as follows:

Water Element:

1. Cancer. The stone has the most beneficial effect on this zodiac sign. By nature, Cancers are sensitive and impressionable, but nevertheless have great potential. Onyx will help them unlock their potential and also help promote their business. As for color, a stone of “sea” shades is suitable for these representatives of the water element: blue, turquoise, dark blue, etc.
2. Fish. It is believed that it is better for Pisces to refrain from purchasing onyx. The stone can enhance their asceticism.
3. Scorpion. The mysterious melancholic Scorpio needs a talisman against his sad thoughts. Black onyx can easily cope with this and drive away depression. In addition, the talisman protects against accidents and sudden shocks, of which Scorpios often fall victim.

Air Element:

1. Twins. Representatives of this sign are often naturally endowed with leadership qualities and creativity. With this set, Gemini can achieve great success. However, they are hampered by their inconstancy and flighty nature. Onyx can easily cope with this: it will strengthen the strengths and help muffle the weaknesses. For Gemini, choose onyx in bright colors.
2. Aquarius. Like Gemini, Aquarius often lacks consistency on the path to their goals. Onyx will help you concentrate and lead the owner to success. Stones of green shades are suitable for Aquarius.
3. Scales. A blue stone will help them remain balanced and make the right decisions. If you are a Libra according to your horoscope, give preference to onyx in all shades of blue.

Fire Release:

1. A lion. The mineral will strengthen the leadership qualities of Leo and help win the favor of others. Black onyx is most preferred for them. As a rule, Leos naturally have a strong character and are able to harness the energy potential of the mineral.
2. Aries. For these hot-tempered people, onyx jewelry will help them be more tolerant of others.
3. Sagittarius. The powerful energy of the sign often attracts ill-wishers. Sagittarians have the ability to “infect” others with their hobbies, and as a side effect they face envy. Black onyx will help protect Sagittarius from the evil eye, damage and evil tongues.

Earth Element:

1. Calf. These typical representatives of the earth element often suffer from self-doubt. The stone will help them relax and also (if necessary) overcome bad habits. Onyx in warm shades is suitable for Taurus.
2. Virgo. Onyx will teach pragmatic Virgos to be leaders. Often representatives of this sign, while doing all the work, undeservedly remain in the shadows. Light-colored onyx will correct the situation and teach Virgos how to present themselves correctly.
3. Capricorn. People born under the sign of Capricorn will find in onyx not only a talisman, but also an adviser in decision making

When choosing a patron talisman, you can take into account not only the solar, but also the natal horoscope (the position of all planets at the time of birth).

How to enhance the magic of onyx?

To make the magical properties of onyx stronger, you must:

1. Choose a stone in a suitable frame and type. Silver is considered the most powerful activator of the energy field. Of the processing methods, cabchon is preferable.
2. Charge the stone by leaving it under the moonlight.
3. Wear it constantly. Please note that the impact can be so strong that some character traits will become sharper and tougher. If misunderstandings with loved ones reach a critical point, limit interaction with the stone for some time.
4. Wear the onyx ring on the middle finger of your right hand.

Onyx talismans

The magical properties of white onyx will make it a suitable talisman for people who lack self-confidence. The stone will help develop potential and give self-confidence. It is preferable to wear white onyx in the form of a pendant at the level of the solar plexus or in the form of a ring.

Green onyx

Stone of family well-being. Its properties will be useful for both newlyweds and those who have been married for a long time.

Rings and beads are considered the most powerful family amulets, since their round shape symbolizes the infinity of love. It should be used as a talisman by people who lack peace of mind and peace of mind.

Yellow onyx

It is considered a patron talisman for people who are often depressed. If you constantly keep a decorative item made from this bright mineral in the room, the atmosphere of the room will become bright and cozy.

Widely used as a talisman marble onyx

This inexpensive ornamental stone consists of a dense, translucent aggregate of grains and fibers of calcite or aragonite. The properties of marble onyx will be useful for people with a choleric personality type. A talisman with this type of stone puts the nervous system in order.

In addition, the stone has a beneficial effect on overall health. It has a particularly beneficial effect on the organs of vision and hearing.

Pyramid or apple made of onyx

They will become a talisman for sick people. By applying them to the problem area, after a few weeks the patient notices a positive trend in the course of the disease. Keep in mind that when choosing an onyx pyramid, you can easily run into a fake.

Onyx fish

It is a symbol of career growth. In Feng Shui, it is believed that such a figure attracts good luck and high earnings. In addition, fish will help you pass exams successfully.

Onyx tableware (plates, glasses, glasses)

Makes a great gift as a family talisman. It enhances the taste of food and drinks and helps create a favorable atmosphere at the table.

Ring with black onyx

Traditionally it is a talisman for businessmen. The stone will help you find the necessary connections and also avoid losses.

Where is the stone mined and how is it processed?

Onyx is a type of agate, a rock of sinter origin. It is formed under the influence of high temperatures, temperature changes, and volcanic processes. The mineral has a dense fine-grained or coarse-crystalline structure.

The most important places for extracting natural stone of the highest quality are concentrated in the following areas:

• Arabian Peninsula;
• Brazil;
• Uruguay;
• India;
• USA;
• Russia.

In Russia, the deposits are not so numerous and rich in mineral deposits. The main ones are located in Chukotka and Primorsky Krai.

Raw onyx is a malleable mineral, so jewelers love to work with it to create fancy, interesting jewelry and figurines. Most often it is cut in the form of an oval, round cabochon, oval or in the shape of a drop.

Silver is considered the best setting for onyx.

Healing properties of onyx

Since ancient times, people began to notice that onyx heals various ailments.
Onyx powder promotes rapid cell regeneration. If you treat a wound with a small amount of this powder, it will heal faster. In addition, this mineral helps fight obesity.

To improve metabolism, it is enough to regularly drink water infused with crushed minerals.

In alternative medicine, onyx uses other healing properties of onyx. It is used as a treatment for heart failure (red or pink onyx) and as a means of restoring vision and hearing (marble onyx).

In order to cope with the disease, it is necessary to wear jewelry with a stone at the level of the problem area. So, earrings will help in the fight against hearing diseases, a bracelet will help in the fight against arthritis, etc.

For therapeutic massage, lithotherapists widely use onyx eggs. The procedure is carried out by lightly pressing a stone on the sore spot once a day.

The use of onyx slabs for cladding a residential building, according to esotericists, helps improve the well-being of residents. Life in such a house will be long and full of health.

However, remember - only real stone has all of the above properties. An artificial stone will not provide a magical or healing effect. Before pinning your hopes on a gem, make sure that it is not a fake.