Striped semi-precious stone, 4 letters, 4 letter "T", crossword puzzle

Physical and chemical properties

Onyx is a fibrous variety of quartz that is rich in impurities. In many respects, the mineral is similar to marble and granite, and is somewhat superior to them in terms of moisture absorption, frost resistance and hardness.

Heliotrope, flint and jasper

All these varieties of gemstones are very similar in appearance to chalcedony. However, not all experts consider them as such. Not everyone can distinguish agate from jasper. The only difference is that jasper is not transparent at the edges, but may only be slightly translucent. Under a microscope you can find jasper agates that are partially translucent. But you can see through the agate.

Jasper can range in color from pale yellow to rich gold, with an unusual swirl pattern. But there is another variety of it - bloody jasper or heliotrope . It can be dark red or dark green, with bloody streaks, and may have yellow spots. In the Middle Ages it was often used to make church vessels.

Cacholong

cacholong chalcedony species is usually described as a porous, milky white chalcedony, reminiscent of porcelain or milky opal. It is a mixture of opal and chalcedony. Since the first and second silica are combined with quartz, the mutual penetration of the elements creates interesting, unusually beautiful stones.

Moss agate

A fascinating work of nature, interspersed with dendrites or fibrous inclusions of manganese, nickel or iron. Celadonite (milk opal) can also be classified as a type of moss agate. As a result of inclusions of iron from gray, blue-gray or milky white chalcedony, floral landscapes are obtained in which you can see trees, mosses or algae. They are easy to spot because they vary in color: red and reddish, black and green, gray and brown, yellow and yellowish-white.

Mtorolite (chrome chalcedony)

This stone is similar to chrysoprase, but may have tiny black chromite flecks in its texture. In the ancient world, mtorolite was well known to jewelers, but was subsequently forgotten. It was only in the 1950s, after the development of deposits in Zimbabwe, that the mineral regained its importance for jewelers. The modern name comes from the city of Mtoroshanga, where the stone was mined.

Onyx chalcedony

This is a banded decorative and ornamental gemstone. It is characterized by alternating bands of chalcedony itself, quartz and other silicas. Hence the bright white-pink, red-brown, white-brown, red-black stripes. Onyx is a type of layered agate. Jewelers also call onyx almost black chalcedony, in which the layers can only be seen under a microscope. The mineral is transparent or translucent. The beauty of onyx is best seen in cameos and intaglios.

Sapphire

This is the trade name for blue or light blue chalcedony (in mineralogy this term has a different meaning). Sapphire is a rare translucent mineral. Tends to fade at high temperatures.

Red chalcedony (sardonyx, carnelian)

Mineral in shades of red. Sardonyx and carnelian are examples that are predominantly shades of brown, orange-brown, red-brown. Sardonyx is a striped red chalcedony. The predominant color in carnelian is red interspersed with yellow and brown. In the sun, the color becomes more saturated: shades of brown instantly turn orange.

Chrysoprase

This variety is valued for its color: an admixture of nickel makes the mineral light green or bluish-green, and chromium gives it a greenish tint. It can fade in the sun (to restore color, it is better to wrap the stone in a damp cloth). Jewelers who praise chrysoprase divide it into three varieties:

Faceted chrysoprase

1. The highest is a uniform and rich emerald green color with transparency reaching 5 cm;
2. The first grade includes a homogeneous apple-green, transparent stone, possibly having whitish and opaque areas;
3. The second type (or second grade) is a brightly spotted mineral, which is a decorative stone that may contain transparent or opaque areas with blue-green or yellow-green hues.

Enhydros (water agate)

Transparent minerals containing chalcedony, quartz and lutenite. The cavity of each such mineral contains water, which is several million years old. Engidros is valued not only by jewelers, but also by yoga and feng shui practitioners. These stones are able to purify water much faster than other minerals.

Pink chalcedony

Pink chalcedony is known among the Mongols as a stone that brings joy. It owes its pink-red hue to an admixture of iron oxide (hematite). The most popular variety is carnelian. Its shade can be different, even scarlet. There are also striped specimens with lighter areas.

Colors and varieties

Nature has created quite a large number of onyx colors, in which green, yellow, white, black, and blue can be the main ones. Beige, pink, brown and other colors.

The “calling card” of the stone is its striped pattern, obtained due to the presence of impurities arranged in layers.

Mineralogists distinguish several main types of onyx:

• An ordinary stone is a stone of one color (yellow, beige, pink or blue), having stripes of the same color, but lighter or darker by several tones.

Common onyx

• Tricolor - combines white, brown and blue shades.

Tricolor onyx

• Sardonyx - this variety includes brown-red, red-orange and white-brown samples.

Sardonyx

• Carnelian - the main color is red in different shades, a pattern of clear bright white stripes.

Carnelian

• Chalcedony is a striped gray-white stone.

Chalcedony

• Marble - the main color is predominantly green; the pattern can be stripes of one or more colors and different thicknesses.

Marble onyx

• Pure - this is the name of white onyx, it can be milky or pinkish, and has a pattern in the form of small “rusty” cracks.

White onyx

• Arabic is the most valuable type of gem, distinguished by its rich black color and pattern in the form of white stripes and inclusions.

Arabic onyx

Love spell of striped chalcedony

According to the horoscope, a rare zodiac sign cannot call sardonyx its birthstone. If a person is Cancer, then he is just not one of those for whom this variegated mineral is suitable. Chosen as a decoration or talisman in a keychain, it can disrupt the implementation of your plans. Of course, this is just the opinion of some lithologists and astrologers - nothing more. Although it might be worth listening to them.

But the mineral will serve for the benefit of zodiac signs related to the protection of other planets. For Aquarius, Sagittarius, Virgo or Leo, sardonyx will definitely suit you with its bright, multi-layered character. He is able to emphasize the strong-willed sides of nature, smooth out rough edges and contribute to success in bold endeavors. For prominent representatives of the constellation Leo, a sardonyx amulet, according to the majority of representatives of all occult movements, is simply necessary.

In everyday life, sardonyx can help improve personal life, maintain balance in relationships, and smooth out the rough edges of the ambiguous and not always predictable characters of bright representatives of Virgos and Leos.

The writer Alexander Kuprin, being born under the constellation Virgo, called the mineral beloved of kings and dedicated the story Gemma to it.

Mineral deposits

Onyx rock piece

Onyx is a common mineral. It is mined in many countries. The most valuable specimens are supplied to the market by Uruguay, Arabia, Brazil and India.

In Russia there are also deposits of striped gem. It is mined in Primorye, Chukotka and Kolyma.

Industrial mining of the mineral is carried out by Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Mexico and Iran.

In Turkmenistan there are onyx caves - the Karlyuk and Kap-Kotan deposits, in which the walls and floor are entirely made of striped gems, and in the latter you can also see onyx stalagmites and stalactites.

Origin and history of deposits

Chalcedony has been mined since biblical times. The first mention of this amazing stone is contained in the New Testament. The writings of John the Theologian mention that chalcedony was one of the elements of the wall of the heavenly city of Jerusalem.

In ancient times, vessels, weapons, statues were made from it, and clothes were decorated. Brooches, pendants and rings made from this mineral were also extremely popular. Manuscripts of ancient scientists and doctors contain descriptions of the healing properties of chalcedony, which was used to treat many diseases. Interest in stone increased in the Middle Ages.

Every fashionista had earrings and necklaces made of chalcedony in her box. It has gained wide popularity as an ornamental stone. In the 20th century, this mineral became the favorite jewelry treasure of the Russian intelligentsia.

Chalcedony is mined mainly in the USA, Scotland, Canada, Uruguay, India and Madagascar. The gemstone is also mined in Russia in Eastern Siberia and Chukotka.

Magical properties of onyx

White onyx grape brush

Onyx has incredible magical power, and in a variety of directions, depending on the color of a particular stone.

The Aztecs preferred light green onyxes with orange-brown stripes. They considered them the most powerful, and therefore built temples and various religious buildings from them, and made objects for sacrifices.

Modern mystics also assessed the influence of onyx of different colors on certain areas of human life and determined that:

• The yellow gem is needed by morally weak individuals, prone to depression, despondency and panic. It will make them firmer, stronger, more decisive, help them forget about the past and start living in the present. Pebbles the color of the sun charge their owner with energy and relieve fatigue.
• Green onyx is the keeper of the family hearth. It helps create a warm atmosphere in the house, reconciles spouses, ignites the feelings of couples who have lived together for many years, and increases the well-being of the family.
• Black stone is an impenetrable magical shield, protects against any negative influences from the outside, attracts money, and also helps to survive severe moral shocks and losses.
• The white variety is an accumulator of positive energy and a talisman against accidents. This pebble also helps to increase self-esteem, making a person more decisive, eloquent and successful.
• Marble onyx is the keeper of the fidelity of lovers. It can be given to newlyweds so that their marriage is strong and happy. The marble gem also stabilizes the nervous system, stimulates development and movement forward.

Regardless of the color of onyx:

1. Helps build authority.
2. Makes a person more eloquent and his arguments more convincing.
3. Protects against fatal accidents.
4. Attracts financial well-being.
5. Makes a person bolder and more self-confident.
6. Clears your head of unnecessary thoughts and helps you focus on what is most important.
7. Relieves various psychological problems - fears, disappointments, depression, emotional instability, irritability, hot temper and others.
8. Improves memory and mental abilities.
9. Teaches you to finish what you start.
10. Strengthens the desire to improve the quality of life.

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.

Medicinal properties

Onyx ball

People have been treated with onyx for several centuries in a row. Ancient healers learned about its healing properties even earlier than shamans and sorcerers knew about magical abilities.

In the past, onyx powder was used to heal wounds, and water infused with the mineral was used to get rid of oral diseases and lose weight. For other ailments, pebbles were worn on the body, and they tried to place them as close as possible to the sore spot.

Lithotherapists of our time agree with colleagues from the past and recommend wearing:

• Earrings with onyx for the treatment of ear and eye diseases.
• Pendants in red shades to solve problems with the cardiovascular system.
• Bracelets for the treatment of arthritis.

Massage with onyx, made in the shape of a small egg, helps with problems with the spine and joints, and applying a stone of any shape to a sore spot alleviates the condition and promotes a speedy recovery.

Carrying a striped gem with you also helps:

1. Relieving headaches even with migraines.
2. Relieving spasms and colic (kidneys, liver, intestinal tract, stomach).
3. Reducing temperature and stopping inflammatory processes.
4. Alleviation of conditions with rheumatism.
5. Reducing the frequency of asthmatic attacks.
6. Inhibiting the growth of tumors, including malignant ones.
7. Getting rid of stuttering (the black type is most effective).
8. Concentration.
9. Increasing potency (a red pebble with pronounced striping will help).
10. Rejuvenate the body, strengthen the immune system and increase tone (green varieties).
11. Relieving fatigue, getting rid of laziness and apathy.

The brighter the stripes on onyx, the stronger its healing properties.

What stones are considered ornamental?

There is no clear classification, but minerals that are called ornamental have several features. Thus, they are characterized by low hardness. Usually these minerals are cloudy, but have a rich and beautiful color. They are used to create design and decorative products. They are characterized by a varied color palette and low price. Similar minerals include:

• Jasper;
• Written granite;
• Apatite;
• Onyx marble;
• Turquoise;
• Listvenite;
• Obsidians;
• Malachites;
• Jets;
• Jespilites;
• Amber;
• Fluorite;
• Selenites;
• Aventurine quartzites;
• Colored marble;
• Agalmatolites;
• Scarn is banded.

Petrified wood also falls into this category. The price of such minerals is usually low.

Talismans and amulets

Onyx apple

Onyx is a stone of leaders, so talismans with it will be useful to those people who especially need these qualities in their line of work - teachers, athletes, politicians, businessmen, and so on.

Onyx also reliably protects its owner from any accidents, so esotericists recommend stocking up on an onyx talisman for people whose profession involves various kinds of risks - police officers, rescuers, military personnel, firefighters, stuntmen, testers and others.

Black onyx is the most reliable amulet against dark magic, and is also an excellent assistant and advisor in financial matters. Therefore, bankers, businessmen and everyone who deals with money, as well as a bunch of ill-wishers and envious people, simply cannot do without such a talisman.

The form of execution of onyx talismans also influences their effect:

• Dishes and the use of stone in the kitchen interior help improve the taste of any dishes and drinks, as well as increase appetite and better absorption of nutrients from food.
• An onyx apple or pyramid has maximum healing power and also has a beneficial effect on the psyche of its owner.
• Fish is the talisman of careerists. Such an amulet will help you quickly reach professional heights and attract cash flow to the owner.
• Any onyx objects and souvenirs in the house improve the well-being of residents, create a favorable atmosphere and set them in a positive mood, and also protect the home from theft and misfortunes.
• Rings and rings will help you find a way out of difficult situations, strengthen the will of the owner and attract good luck.

Onyx in gold will enhance leadership qualities, and in silver it is most effective in magical terms.

Compatibility with other stones

Green onyx beads

Energetically strong onyx does not like being placed next to other gems in decoration. He will suppress their influence in every possible way, spending his strength on it.

The effect of many jewelry (pearls, amethyst, ruby ​​and others) is aimed at relaxing the owner. Onyx activates leadership qualities, stimulates activity, composure and constant readiness for action. Therefore, it is not wise to use such stones in one piece of jewelry.

It is especially worth avoiding combining a striped gem with fire stones - diamond, garnet, red tourmaline and others. Their proximity can completely nullify the effect of onyx or lead to the release of accumulated negative energy towards the owner.

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.

Onyx products and jewelry

Onyx frog

Onyx is considered an ornamental stone; craftsmen make a lot of amazing items from it - vases, boxes, souvenirs, inkwells, dishes, and so on, which anyone can purchase, for example:

• Bunny figurine – for 10 dollars.
• Figured vintage vase 19 cm high - for $70.
• Set of 6 glasses – for 26.5 dollars.
• A vintage lamp with a shade costs $600, and a simple table lamp costs just $60.
• Luxurious 35 cm high mirror made of onyx and brass - for $133.
• German mantel clock made at the end of the 20th century - for $55.
• A round box with a height of 7 and a diameter of 14 cm - for $55.
• Magic ball made of marble onyx on a stand - for $45.

For its flexibility in processing and interesting colors, the striped gem is also loved by jewelers. The cost of jewelry with onyx is largely determined by the material of the frame and the complexity of execution:

• Gold rings and rings can be purchased for $78-$265, silver rings for $25-$135.
• Silver earrings cost $25, and gold earrings cost $160-$580.
• Gold pendants - for 85-165 dollars.
• Bracelets cost $7-$125, and beads cost $10-$150.

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 distinguish an original from a fake

Black onyx cabochon

Onyxes, despite their availability, are still counterfeited. You can identify the unnaturalness of a stone like this:

• Check his weight. It should be quite heavy compared to common counterfeit materials - glass and plastic.
• Estimate thermal conductivity. Natural stone absorbs the heat of the human hand very slowly and reluctantly.
• Check hardness. A true striped gem cannot be scratched by a needle or a blade.
• Assess brightness. If the color of the stone is too bright, then one can suspect that its coloring is artificial, since the color of natural onyx is always soft and muted.
• Compare prices. Amazing cheapness (especially of black onyxes, they are most often counterfeited) is a sign of deception on the part of the seller.

How to care for stone

Caring for onyx is simple:

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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.

General characteristics of agate

Agate is a type of quartz. Refers to semi-precious stones. Most often it has a layered striped structure, but there are also types with a specific pattern, the so-called “moss”, “star”, “landscape”, etc.

Gemologists study stones. They number approximately 150 varieties of agate, which differ from each other in color and composition. They are mined all over the world: in Europe, Asia, Africa, America. Often found right on the beaches near the sea.

All the beauty of the gem is hidden inside it, since from the outside it looks like a simple gray or brown stone. Natural patterns can only be observed on a fracture or cut.