Properties and influence of striped stones on various signs of the Zodiac

From Solomon's Palace to French Jewelry

Magnificent vases-lamps made of translucent marble onyx were found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Several thousand “alabastron” vessels made from gemstones were discovered in one of the Egyptian pyramids.

In Jerusalem, the walls of the Temple of Solomon were made of marble onyx, in which, thanks to the translucency of the stone, there was light without windows.

The base of the internal walls of the Gur-Emir mausoleum in Samarkand is lined with greenish-yellow translucent onyx. There is a stone in the decoration of the Gatchina Palace near St. Petersburg, and there are two tabletops made of this stone.

By the early 1920s in France, geometric shapes with a contrast of black and white began to predominate in jewelry. The combination of white platinum and diamonds with black onyx and black enamel looked impressive.

origin of name

English name: onyx.

In the Torah the mineral is called shoham, in Theophrastus - onychion, in Pliny the Elder - onychion or onyx-gemma. In Old Indian lapidaries it is also called gemma.

Expert opinion

Semenishcheva Polina

Specialist in mineralogy. Graduated from St. Petersburg Mining University.

Note : this name was subsequently transferred to all gems, hence the term gemology.

Translated from Arabic, the name means “sadness.”

The modern name comes from the Greek word onyx (ὄνυξ) - nail.

Ribbon agate, nogat, chalcedony onyx, onychium - this is what our hero is called.

Origin

• The world of stones is sometimes like the world of bureaucrats. If you are looking for onyx, you are referred to agate, from there to chalcedony, from there to silicas. And the end point is quartz.
• Onyx is formed as a result of carbonate deposits in the presence of thermal mineral waters.
• Aragonite marble onyx is formed from hot mineral springs in volcanic areas in the form of mantles, veins and sinter formations.
• In karst cavities among limestones, calcite onyx forms stalactites and stalagmites.

Where is the mineral used?

Cacholong has a delicate porcelain surface. Beads, bracelets, necklaces and other stone jewelry look elegant, feminine and unusual. The sheer matte shade is ideal for blondes and brown-haired women. Refreshes the image of piercingly bright brunettes and red-haired beauties.

A stone with a slight pearlescent tint harmonizes with any outfit. Jewelry is appropriate both on special occasions and in everyday life.

Cacholong is easy to process and is mainly cut into oval cabochons. The mineral looks good in beads of different sizes. Stones with an ideal structure and pure color are inserted into small-sized jewelry:

• brooches;
• rings;
• pendants;
• earrings.

Even the ancient Romans carved vessels and sculptures from the mineral and decorated walls with it. At that time, stone reserves exceeded modern production volumes. In Russia and Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, cacholong was used to create mosaic panels, bowls, bas-reliefs and decorative items. Sets and snow-white figurines decorated the chambers of noble persons.

Now the mineral is in demand in lithotherapy and the jewelry industry. Decorative elements, vases, figurines, cutlery, and bags are made from cacholong.

Varieties

Depending on the color of the layers, onyxes are divided into:

1. Chalcedony onyx - with bluish-gray layers.

2. Sardonyx or Sardagat - with brown and white.

3. Carnelian-onyx - with red and white.

4. Arabic - with black and white stripes.

5. Black or dark brown onyx-nicolo - with blue and white layers.

6. Black Algerian - with dark gray.

7. Marble onyx. In terms of its chemical composition, it is not related to onyx, but it is called onyx, the stripes are the same... Let's talk about it too.

Properties

Onyx is not the name of a mineral. This is a term that combines striped (parallel-banded in scientific terms) varieties of cryptocrystalline quartz and calcite.

All chalcedony have a similar chemical composition.

Physico-chemical

• The “background” color of onyxes is light or dark green, pinkish, brownish. Multi-colored stripes add charm. The color of the stripes depends on the element: iron oxides give yellow, brown, reddish colors; magnesium and copper will color the strip dark green; copper with iron in light green.
• The chemical composition is quartz, flavored with a large number of impurities.
• Resistant to acids (only susceptible to hydrofluoric acid).
• Distinguish between agate and onyx. The latter does not have concentric zonal stripes. The layers of agate can be very fine lines, unlike onyx.

Heals gem

• On a bowl made of eastern onyx, kept in the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, there is an inscription “whoever drinks from it will be healed.”
• It has long been recommended to wear the stone to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
• Black onyx will help with rheumatism and protect against arthrosis.

• Carnelian was used in love potions and used to treat impotence.
• Lithotherapists believe that the gem reduces pain. The stone is applied to tumors and sore spots.
• Has a beneficial effect on the liver and kidneys.
• Helps with rehabilitation after serious illnesses.

Gem magic

• Like many stones, it protects against the evil eye and negative energy.
• Useful for people drowning in promiscuous love affairs.
• The gem will help the owner become responsible for their actions.
• Makes the owner more attractive in society.

• In ancient times, it was considered a stone of love, helping to find your soul mate.
• For unsociable owners, it will make it easier to feel more comfortable in society.
• Lack of patience and excessive impetuosity are smoothed out when wearing jewelry with a handsome striped man.
• White carnelian is the stone of speakers.

Astrologer L. Nazarova classifies onyx as the “guardian of the past.”

Expert opinion

Semenishcheva Polina

Specialist in mineralogy. Graduated from St. Petersburg Mining University.

Important : some astrologers believe that the energy of the stone can turn a man into a homosexual. Therefore, the stronger half of society is not advised to constantly wear the gem.

Color meaning

Black stones can be transparent or opaque, shiny or matte, but their color symbolizes the same concepts. It has always been popular, hence many interpretations:

• In ancient times, it was called the messenger of troubles, and only widows and sorcerers could wear jewelry. The latter used crystals in ritual ceremonies, considering them elements of magic and mystery.
• Symbolizes restraint and secrecy.
• For people who teach others, dark gems are favorable and accompany success.
• Demonstrates a person's reliability in relationships with his companion.
• The nature of black is the negation of other colors that it absorbs. It is used to draw attention not to color, but to form and content.
• In clothing it means conservatism and adherence to traditions.

If you don't want a fountain, take a ring

In ancient times, marble onyx was especially popular. It was used for cladding the interior of palaces, for stone-cutting products - sculptures, sacrificial vessels and bottles.

Stone is readily used by stone cutters to create small glyptic items (boxes, candlesticks, ashtrays).

Of course, jewelers could not ignore such beauty.

Those who can afford it make countertops, wall panels, and onyx floors in their homes. You can rest assured that it will look “expensive and rich.”

Onyx floor

In landscape design, the gem is used to make fountains, statues, vases and flowerpots.

For those who like to buy building materials abroad: beyond the “hillock” onyx is called marble onyx (and it, by and large, does not belong to onyx).

And marble onyx in the catalogs of some companies is referred to as alabaster (alabastrite). This is completely wrong.

Who is it suitable for?

1. Suitable for people of any creative professions.
2. The gem does not like narrow-minded and complex people, and sometimes refuses to work with them.
3. Students during the busy period of the session.
4. Businessmen at negotiations.

Zodiac signs

• Needed by Geminis of the first decade.
• Sardonyx is indicated for Aquarius, Sagittarius, Gemini.
• Contraindicated for Virgos and Cancers.

Every Earth sign can count on the help and support of onyx.

Taurus, Scorpio, and Capricorn will easily establish contact with onyx.

Is Onyx right for you?

Not really

Element

Earth

Planets

Venus

Pluto

Uranus

Mars

Mercury

Energy

Jan

Variegated mix

The Bible mentions the agate onyx that was used to decorate King Solomon's throne (remember, he had a ring with the inscription "All things shall pass" and "This too shall pass").

The panagia “Our Lady of Oranta” and “Savior” are made on a three-layer stone.

It is said that Cleopatra wore black onyx for its protective properties. Sensing the negative energy, the crystal vibrated, warning the queen of potential danger.

The collection of the Armory Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin contains unique panagias made of agate onyx with the faces of Oranta and John Climacus.

Onyx retains the memory of what happens to the owner and can be used for psychometry.

The Sumerians, ancient Egyptians and Indians made eyes for statues from black and white onyx. The stones were ground so that the black pupil stood out against the white background.

In the East, the gem was considered an unlucky stone. For the Arabs, the stone was “sad” - “eljazo”.

The Yemeni peoples found that onyx resembled the eyes of a dead woman (how creepy...).

Since ancient times, it has been believed that onyx absorbs negative energy. The more negativity it absorbs, the darker the crystal becomes.

The best

The world's largest "Great Cameo of France" (Tiberius's gem), measuring 31x26.5 cm, made on five-layer sardonyx, is located in the Cabinet of Medals of the Louvre, Paris. It depicts two emperors with their entourage. More than 20 figures, arranged in 3 horizontal belts, were carved with jewelry precision. It dates back to the beginning of the 1st century. AD, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Tiberius.

The Great Camée of France (French: Grand Camée de France) is a five-layer sardonyx cameo dating from around 23 AD. e. It is the largest known antique cameo. Depicts the family of Emperor Tiberius.

The most expensive black and white agate onyx (24 cm in diameter) is mounted in the wall of the Kaaba temple in Mecca. At one time, an entire island was given for the stone.

Artificial marble

Artificial marble table

Artificial marble, due to its relatively easy manufacturing technology and decent aesthetic, strength and other characteristics, as well as its affordable cost, has become widespread in the modern world. However, it was also used in ancient times.

There are several types of material called artificial marble:

1. Stucco is the highest grade of plaster, used in Ancient Egypt and Rome to frame murals with reliefs, and in the Renaissance - to create ornaments, rosettes, shields, grilles and other decorations of walls and ceilings. Stucco is made from gypsum, alum and glue; marble chips or powder, chalk, lime and other materials can be added to it. Examples of the use of stucco in Russia are the St. Petersburg Marble Palace and St. Isaac's Cathedral.
2. Oselkovy - also made from gypsum using glue and dyes. It got its name due to the use of a touchstone - a special bar with an abrasive surface - in the process of applying it to the walls.
3. Cast - made by mixing quartz sand with epoxy resin. The frozen mass is very similar to some types of marble. It is used to make countertops and other products.
4. Ground (lumpy, crushed) - natural marble chips are mixed with a transparent binder and the mixture is poured into molds. This is how all kinds of souvenirs, decorative items and jewelry are made.
5. Liquid (flexible) - marble chips are mixed with acrylic filler and poured into a mold in a thin layer. The result is an elastic panel that is used to cover any surface.

Artificial marble has a lot of advantages - it is durable, resistant to chemicals, relatively cheap, does not absorb liquids, and is versatile.

But at the same time, it does not possess the magical and healing properties of natural rock, and its design is not unique.

Questions/Answers

Ask - we will look for answers.

How to distinguish a fake?

1. They began to imitate (fake) onyx a very long time ago. Tinted glass was used for this.
2. They do the same now. In the worst case, this is glass; better fakes are made from tinted agate. High-quality imitations are made from polymer materials.
3. We check the gem for thermal conductivity. Natural stone is cold, plastic heats up quickly.
4. The color of natural onyx is delicate; fakes suffer from excessive color saturation.

Please note: if after several cleanings the decoration has faded or the design has become less expressive, there is reason to be sad.
Not onyx in decoration, but a vulgar fake. How to care?

Keep the jewelry in a separate case (onyx is easy to scratch).

Wash the contaminated stone with a weak soap solution with a napkin or soft brush. The soap is washed off with clean water and wiped thoroughly with a napkin.

The jeweler will help restore the stone to its former shine using special products.

Who should wear it?

• To old people. The stone will help you be more energetic, get sick less, and enjoy life more.
• For those whose profession is associated with danger (especially firefighters).
• Lawyers, politicians, lecturers - those who must convince the audience.

How to wear?

• In a ring, onyx awakens one from laziness, in earrings it makes a person enterprising and cheerful.
• Actively works in beads, hryvnias, pendants.
• The magical properties are enhanced if the jewelry is set in silver.

Note: it is better to wear an onyx ring on the middle finger.
What is the price?

The more varied and thinner the stripes on a gem, the more valuable it is.

Let's visit the Crafts Fair.

• A cute set of three tea tables. The base and legs are brass casting, the tabletops are made of marble onyx. And the price for all the beauty is small, only 46,000 rubles.
• Beads for handmade. The size, cut and color are varied. Price from 2 to 130 rubles per bead.
• An onyx pendant framed in leather will appeal to representatives of youth subcultures.
• Silver rings for men, with onyxes. Price from 26,000 to 56,000 rubles.
• A variety of druzy cabochons made of onyx.
• Cute elephants for good luck, from 2660 to 3170 rubles.
• Candlesticks, boxes, balls... It’s interesting to just wander through the pages and admire the work of the masters.

What colors are there?

The most diverse.

1. White with yellow or pink layers.
2. Brown, and the stripes are white, light, yellowish, brownish.
3. Orange, red-brown with yellow, honey stripes.
4. Dark red with pink, brown, yellowish stripes.

There are countless options.

Where can I buy?

Jewelry salons, large online platforms, shops. Stone exhibitions and fairs.

What stones does it go with?

Makes friends with agate and carnelian.

“Won’t get along well” with chrysoprase, aventurine, hyacinth.

What is Cameo Gonzaga?

The Hermitage houses a unique gem on a sardonyx - “Cameo Gonzaga” Size 15.7x11.8 cm, the cameo depicts the Egyptian king Ptolemy II and his sister Arsinoe. This is an amazing portrait gem. It was the property of the Dukes of Gonzaga in Mantua (Italy). Before she ended up in France, she passed through many owners. As a result, the cameo was purchased for 1.5 million francs by Josephine Beauharnais, Napoleon's wife. In 1814, she presented it to the Russian Emperor Alexander I as a token of gratitude for the generosity shown to her after the victory over Napoleon.

Artist's opinion: the great Rubens said “I believe that among gems with paired portraits, this is the most beautiful in Europe.”

Whose nail is onyx?

There is a legend about one of Eros' pranks. This, if anyone has forgotten, is the god of love in ancient Greek mythology. Curly-haired winged baby with a bow and arrow. Whoever the arrow hits will fall in love.

So about the legend. Aphrodite loved bright manicures. For the goddess of love, this is probably forgivable. Cupid, a child unencumbered by education, shot arrows in all directions. And one day he shot so accurately that he cut off his entire manicure (nails) with the arrow. They fell to the ground and turned into onyx stone.

Something alarmed me about the goddess’s manicure. I turned to a historian for advice (one of the authors of the book “Myths of Ancient Greece. Gods”). As for nails: in the times of the ancient Greeks there was varnish (the one with which all sorts of vases were painted). There were thin files. There was hair dye. So the historian said: it’s unlikely, but such a legend could exist.

And the book is interesting. In general, I like this duet of authors - V. Ivanov and O. Kolobova. Their books are wonderful, a huge amount of information is presented so easily, with such humor that you don’t notice that the book has already been read.

Where can you see cameos?

Unique collections of antique gems include:

1. Vienna Kunsthistorisches Museum.
2. Paris Cabinet of Medals.
3. Berlin State Museums.
4. Hermitage in St. Petersburg. The collection of this museum includes about 20 thousand cameos and intaglios.

Types of striped stones

Agate

This mineral, which is a variety of fine-fibered chalcedony, is characterized by a striped color. Given this nuance, it can also be called landscape, due to the minerals settled in the quartz after the volcanic eruption.

Agate traces its history back to Sicily, from the area of ​​the Achates River, from where gems were mined. People called them owl's eyes. Following an ancient legend, Satan dropped this striped mineral from his crown, which turned into a cup into which the blood of Jesus was collected. According to legend, it is still kept in the treasury of the Vienna Hofburg to this day.

Regular wearing of these stones allows you to soften the character of a tough person and pacify him. He gives confidence to the weak. Black specimens are best worn by men as a talisman. It improves vision, smell and hearing. Many peoples of the world claim that this is an excellent amulet against a sudden lightning strike. Agate is a stone of athletes; it helps its owner cope with emotions and suppress anger. Before an upcoming important meeting, in order to develop your oratorical abilities, you need to hold the stone under your tongue for a couple of minutes. And any negotiations will go well.

It has long been used in lithotherapy and alternative medicine. It is also known from ancient manuscripts that after burning a stone, the resulting ashes can not only cleanse a person spiritually, but also cure stomach pain. Experts have noticed the positive effect of the stone on diseases of the throat or cough.

Agate is suitable for most zodiac signs, with the exception of Sagittarius and Aries, into whose lives the stone will only bring unnecessary fuss. The most suitable will be Taurus and Gemini, Capricorn.

Cornelian

Due to its beautiful appearance, it often attracted people's attention. Carnelian is a hard mineral with an unusual color; no two identical stones are found in nature. Sometimes it can be called carnelian. Carnelian differs from agate in its striped structure.

If we talk about the magical properties of carnelian, it is worth mentioning information that can be traced back to the times of Ancient India. Then it was believed that the stone was able to stop bleeding and pacify aggression. In Egypt it was used as an amulet against dark forces. Considering its energy, it is able to prevent quarrels and restore a person’s mental strength. It is recommended to wear it for those who plan to achieve the truth in the judicial field. It can also be worn by students, as it develops mental abilities. With its help, talented people will be able to reveal even more of their abilities.

Today, carnelian is used by lithotherapists to treat various diseases. For inflammation of the thyroid gland, beads should be worn around the neck. Rings are worn to improve blood circulation. There is an opinion that it can soften tumors. It is applied to the sore spot for a few minutes every day.

More suitable for Taurus, Leo, Aries, Gemini, Libra and Capricorn. The exceptions are Cancers and Scorpios. The stone will bring unnecessary aggression into their lives.

Jasper

This unique striped mineral is used not only as decoration; it is used to make beautiful vases, snuff boxes and other items for interior decoration. People may call jasper striped or ribbon.

The history of the stone is known from Arabic, Persian and Greek manuscripts.

The magical properties of gems are aimed at protecting their owner from negative influences. In particular, the stone perfectly protects the baby’s sleep and repels magical attacks. Jasper perfectly concentrates attention, and therefore is often used in rituals by people with paranormal abilities. The Chinese are sure that it can be placed under the pillow of a careless student to strengthen memory.

This stone fully reveals its healing properties for those who suffer from diseases of the pancreas, spleen and liver. To do this, you need to infuse water on this stone. The mineral is thrown into a glass with it, drinking a healing drink in the morning. In addition, this is an excellent option for those planning to lose weight. It is recommended for women who have uncomfortable symptoms during menopause. Jasper drink perfectly strengthens the immune system. In order for jasper to reveal its positive effects, it is worn so that it comes into contact with the skin. From time to time, the stone is washed with running water to discharge it.

It is worth noting that it is better to place jasper products in a study or library.

It will be an ideal option for Virgo.

Opal

One of the most beautiful gemstones is opal, which is characterized by an extraordinary play of light. It is sometimes called volcanic stone, which forms in lava voids from siliceous helium. In nature, it is customary to distinguish between two groups of stones: noble and ordinary. The latter is represented by specimens with greenish tints. The first includes fire minerals, cat's eye and royal opal.

It is worth noting the magical abilities of the stone; it can strengthen the owner’s memory and allow internal energy to be released. In the process of wearing the stone, a person becomes more sensual. The mineral is recommended to be worn by those who are trying to forget a past event. Also promotes success and financial well-being. Products made from black stones attract a partner of the opposite sex. But when putting on jewelry, you need to stay in a good mood. The stone does not like evil people.

Opal copes well with problems of the gastrointestinal tract and increases appetite. It is also recommended to be worn by those who often face stress and emotional stress. The restorative function of stones can also be highlighted; they are recommended to be worn after serious illnesses. Eliminate headaches and negative symptoms in women during menopause.

Black stone jewelry is recommended for Scorpios.

Onyx

It is considered one of the oldest stones with which mankind adorned itself. Today it is becoming no less popular. According to legend, Cupid, shooting an arrow, touched the nails on the hand of Aphrodite, his mother. But she did not attach any importance to this, did not notice the loss, the gods saw everything and made the scraps turn into striped stones.

In Ancient Greece it was used to produce three-dimensional images. According to legend, in the palace of King Solomon, instead of windows, structures made of thin onyx plates were installed.

The price category of a product with a mineral is influenced by the number of stripes in a certain area.

Like other striped stones, this mineral is no exception and is considered a powerful talisman in the fight against the bad intentions of envious people. Magicians believe that a person who regularly wears items with onyx can be cured of various spells. A gem is an energy activator that is able to accumulate it around itself.

If we talk about medicinal properties, it is worth highlighting its ability to harmonize relationships and its positive effect on the owner’s psyche. He will cope well with his owner’s fears and depression.

Given its pliability, not only jewelry is made from it, but also various interior items.

More suitable for Gemini. Other representatives of the zodiac signs can wear it.

Aventurine

Most of these stones have a chaotic pattern, which attracts many jewelers and famous designers. As for the meaning, first of all, the abilities of this stone are aimed at revealing the talents of its owner. In history, information about it can be traced back to the period of Ancient Greece, where it was popularly called golden spark due to the presence of gold sparkles in it.

The magical abilities of the stone are aimed at protecting a person from damage and envy, and violent death. Its unique energy is capable of not only absorbing negative messages, but reflecting them. Regular wearing of the mineral allows you to get rid of depression and find long-awaited luck.

All except the black stone of the specimen have healing properties, in particular, they have a positive effect on the nervous system. Improvement of the skin in various diseases was also noted. You can apply the stone to the desired area or carry it with you. Improves the condition of the thyroid gland, for which it is better to purchase a pendant or beads. It also has a positive effect on the genitourinary system, ridding the body of excess fluid. Therefore, it is recommended for obese people.

Aventurine gemstone is recommended to be worn by Taurus and Virgo. It is better not to tempt fate for Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.