History and origin
Black onyx stones by their name are associated with Ancient Greece, since in translation from the language of its inhabitants the word onyx means “nail”.
This origin of the name is connected with the legend of the goddess Aphrodite. As this legend goes, the son of the goddess Eros cut his mother’s nails while she was in her sleep. At the same moment, the nails turned into dark onyx.
Black onyx
Black onyx is associated with historical figures - King Solomon, commander Napoleon. Mentions of an unusual mineral are found in the Holy Bible.
Deposits of dark gems, known since the 6th–5th centuries, were located in the territories of Egypt, Assyria and Babylon. Nowadays stones are mined from agate layers of hot springs on the shores of India and America. At a certain water temperature, crystals grow together and minerals are formed. Due to the difficult conditions for mining onyx, the gem is rarely found in its pure natural form.
Legends about black onyx and the meaning of the stone
Arabian onyx
The stone has been familiar to man since ancient times. There are biblical references and descriptions of the mineral in ancient manuscripts. The throne of King Solomon himself was inlaid with treated black onyx.
The Egyptians were very fond of this stone, which is confirmed by numerous archaeological finds. They used it mostly for aesthetic purposes.
But the South American Aztec tribes were imbued with the magical properties of black onyx - it served as an attribute of sacred rites. Hindus revered black onyx as a stone of financial growth and luck.
But still, in many Eastern cultures, the black gem was demonized. Arabic sources have been preserved, where onyx of the most mystical color is called “eljazo”, and this means “sorrow”, “sadness”, “sorrow”.
In Yemeni quarries, there was a belief that mined black onyxes should be sold quickly, since the stones resemble the eyes of a dead woman.
In Ancient China, it was believed that disturbing the onyx mines unnecessarily would lead to global misfortune. Nevertheless, everyone believed in the healing and magical power of the gem.
Physicochemical characteristics
A distinctive property of black onyx stones is their color. The mineral is created by nature from layers of different colors located parallel to each other. According to their external description, the gems stand out with a glassy sheen.
Black onyx beads
The physical characteristics of black onyx are similar to those of marble. The structure of the stones is quite hard, but they can be easily processed and retain their shape.
Formula | SiO2 |
Color | Black |
Shine | Glass |
Transparency | Translucent to a depth of 3-4 cm |
Hardness | 6—7 |
Cleavage | Absent |
Kink | Conchoidal |
Density | 2.65—2.667 g/cm³ |
physical characteristics
Onyx is a type of agate consisting of black and white layers. The thinner the layer, the more valuable the stone. Separately, it is impossible to detect deposits of onyx: it is mined from black layers of agate, which can only be seen at a fracture; they are not visible in a solid stone. Therefore, reserves of the mineral are small. The color shade depends on the number of inclusions, the chemical composition is silicon dioxide. The remaining characteristics are as follows:
- transparency is inconsistent;
- hardness on the Mohs scale - 7 units;
- high frost resistance;
- perfectly absorbs moisture.
The untreated stone is unremarkable, but after processing, onyx comes to life: its edges acquire a glassy sheen, characteristic only of minerals with a very high degree of density.
Medicinal properties
The beneficial effects of black onyx on the human body were noted in ancient civilizations.
The mineral is used to treat all internal systems and organs
. In particular, the medicinal properties of the gem include:
- cure diseases of the kidney and liver;
- improvement and restoration of hearing;
- stimulation of memory and brain activity;
- calming the nervous system;
- treatment of mental disorders and depression;
- stimulation of the cardiovascular system;
- normalization of sleep;
- strengthening the spine;
- elimination of headaches;
- treatment of impotence in men.
The mineral also helps reduce the impact of weather on the well-being of weather-sensitive people.
To do this, you should purchase and regularly wear a product made from this stone. A special feature of the gem is that it helps with weight loss. Water infused with onyx, when consumed daily, satisfies hunger and activates metabolism, which helps to lose excess weight.
Black onyx
Regularly wearing onyx jewelry stimulates calcium metabolism in the body, which is necessary for children and the elderly. This property also has a positive effect on the regeneration of the skin and strengthening of nails and hair.
It is believed that black stone can relieve inflammation from affected areas of the skin, relieve tumors and swelling. To do this, you need to apply it to the sore spot for 5–10 minutes.
The main ability of onyx, useful for everyone, is to supply the body with energy reserves and preserve it for a long time. This quality of healing mineral is felt by all its owners.
How to use the stone
Onyx can be used in many ways. The most common one is to hold the mineral in your fist, close your eyes and hold it for 20 minutes; you can turn on calm music. During this time, positive energy will pass to the owner. If any part of the body is bothering you, the stone should be worn near the sore spot throughout the day. To reduce pain, rotating the onyx counterclockwise directly over the sore spot will help.
For a positive effect on the body, an onyx pebble is placed overnight in a glass of clean water. Drink water on an empty stomach in the morning. This will give you energy and improve your physical condition.
Black onyx is noble and beautiful. This is an excellent talisman and amulet that protects the owner from troubles and problems. The mystical properties of black onyx stone emphasize beauty in women of any age, impart expressiveness and mystery, and give masculinity and brutality to the stronger sex. It doesn’t matter whether the stone is set in precious metal or is simple jewelry, it will still reliably protect its owner.
Magic properties
For a long time, in different countries there were different opinions about the magic of black onyx and its properties. In the East - in China and India - the stone was considered a harbinger of sadness. And the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians used gems in all areas of their lives as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
Today, black onyx is considered a symbol of power and might.
Onyx jewelry is worn by military people, directors, and businessmen. The magic of the stone allows you to:
- learn about the plans of ill-wishers and the machinations of competitors;
- direct energy in the right direction;
- maintain resilience and stability;
- concentrate on difficult things;
- improve relationships with colleagues and employees;
- increase the threshold of patience.
Also among the magical properties of black onyx is its ability to give people confidence. The mineral charges its owner with self-confidence and protects against attacks of panic and confusion.
Black onyx bracelet
The popularity of the gem among amulets is explained by the fact that the stone attracts good luck, success and wealth to the owner, and can also prevent mortal danger.
Dark onyx has the power to help people with problems in their personal lives. An amulet made from this mineral wards off loneliness and troubles, improves mood and increases morale. Home decorations with a magic stone will protect the whole family from envy and evil forces, and will keep the house warm and cozy.
It is important to remember that the talisman provides assistance only to those people who have a desire to work and improve themselves, whose intentions are good and are not directed against others.
It is necessary to periodically clean the stone with clean and salty water so that it gets rid of accumulated negativity. Onyx gets used to people, studies their character. If the owner of the mineral is a lazy and evil person, jewelry made from black onyx can, on the contrary, direct all its magical powers against him. This is how the stone educates the owner.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
- Black onyx is a chalcedony type of quartz.
- The deep black mineral is rare in nature.
- The shine and beauty of the stone can be seen after processing.
- The gem is used to make jewelry, talismans, amulets and other products that have magical effects on the owner.
History and legends
According to Ancient Greek Myths, onyx got its name from the word “nail”, which was dropped to Earth by the goddess Aphrodite. The stone is mentioned in the Bible, it was one of the 12 precious crystals from the belt of the Jewish high priest. From the legends it follows that the gem adorned Solomon’s throne and served as building material for the royal palace.
Black onyx
In different countries it was believed that the mineral has strong magic:
- In India, it was believed that onyx is the eye of a dead goddess: it destroys families and kills love.
- Noble men of Georgia used appropriate talismans to protect themselves from enemies.
- The ancient Chinese considered this nugget dangerous and avoided deposits with it.
- The Egyptians used the gem to decorate their interiors and temples.
- The Aztecs used the mineral for sacred rituals.
- The Italians and French decorated cups and interior items with onyx, and used it in jewelry.
Physicochemical characteristics
Onyx is a type of agate that consists of black and white layers. It is rarely found in its pure form, so it is often mined from dark layers of black and white agate.
Black and white agate
Properties are similar to those of marble:
- hardness – 6-7 points on the Mohs scale;
- stone color – anthracite;
- transparency – translucent, sometimes translucent, not constant;
- shine – glass;
- porosity – 0.35 – 0.95;
- The nugget fracture is conchoidal;
- density – 2.6 g/cm3.
We recommend: Application of SNOW QUARTZ
Where is it mined (deposits)
The formation of the rock is associated with volcanic processes and ash deposits in underwater layers. The stone is also found in clayey rocks.
Expensive, high-quality specimens are mined on the Arabian Peninsula and India.
Mines in Brazil
Deposits of the nugget are still found in Russia, America, Brazil, China and other countries.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
According to astrology, a gem can not help every person. Black onyx shows its full healing power only for those with whom it has good compatibility. So, the mineral is suitable for people born under the signs:
- Capricorn, they should purchase an onyx figurine in the form of a cat;
- Leo. They are recommended to purchase an onyx eagle.
The meaning for these signs is that onyx enhances the leadership abilities given to them by nature. In addition, the black stone is suitable according to the horoscope for the following zodiac signs:
- Virgo;
- Calf;
- Aries;
- Scales;
- Aquarius.
The gem is suitable for people of these signs, as it accumulates positive energy in them and brings them luck in their careers and personal lives.
People who are Gemini or Pisces by zodiac sign should categorically refuse jewelry made from dark onyx. Such people are naturally soft, and the effects of the mineral are not compatible with their character.
Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
Aries | + |
Taurus | + |
Twins | — |
Cancer | + |
a lion | +++ |
Virgo | + |
Scales | + |
Scorpion | + |
Sagittarius | + |
Capricorn | +++ |
Aquarius | + |
Fish | + |
(“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated)
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.
Compatibility with other stones
Black onyx, unlike many gemstones, is combined with several other minerals. Cubic zirconia has become especially popular in women's and men's jewelry with gemstones.
Black onyx bracelet
Due to their similarity to diamonds, the stones highlight the value of onyx and complement any look.
Dark onyx is also used in combination with such expensive stones:
- rubies;
- emeralds;
- sapphires;
- diamonds.
Festive decorations with large precious minerals are suitable for people of status and make their owner stand out among guests at receptions and social events.
Cost of jewelry
The mineral is considered jewelry and ornamental. The price of jewelry, interior items, amulets and talismans depends on many parameters:
- mineral purity;
- size of the sample used;
- artistic design;
- quality of work;
- the skill and fame of the author;
- frame material;
- additional decorations.
There are many options for using the mineral. Masters are able to make unique masterpieces and ordinary items:
- men's bracelet - from 1.5 thousand rubles;
- designer necklace for a woman – from 3 thousand rubles;
- ring with onyx and diamonds – from 30 thousand rubles;
- miniature figurines – from 2 thousand rubles.
Simple carved items cannot be expensive. Souvenirs with a special type of decoration become more expensive. The combination with diamonds creates a special glow of onyx and gives additional shine to diamonds. The price of such jewelry will not be affordable for everyone. Anyone can buy jewelry.
Where is it used?
Black onyx is used in many jewelry items. The stone complements rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants and brooches of various models. Such jewelry is framed in silver or gold, taking into account all possible customer requirements. Thus, a ring or ring with a large onyx will increase the status of a man, and an elegant gold ring will become a worthy decoration for a woman, giving her sophistication and elegance.
Silver earrings with a scattering of gems will be an excellent completion of an evening look; they will emphasize the taste of the owner of the item. A small pendant with an onyx pendant will complement the appearance of a businesslike and strict woman.
Talismans with gems occupy a special place. In them, it is not the design of the product that plays an important role, but the meaning of the stone.
People often acquire amulets to protect themselves from negative influences, and keep them secret from prying eyes.
The mineral has also found its use in the manufacture of items for interior decoration. Thus, various stone figurines and boxes, vases and panels decorated with black onyx are popular. In the design of the premises you can see countertops, lamps, tiles and even walls inlaid with stones.
Onyx amulet
The cost of onyx products depends on the quality and quantity of the mineral used in production, and is reasonably different. Almost everyone can afford silver jewelry with miniature onyx inserts, and only wealthy people have the opportunity to use the precious mineral in interior design.
PURCHASE AND CARE
The most correct use of black onyx is in the form of a talisman or amulet.
- In the old days, to find out whether a mineral was suitable for a person or not, they tied it to the left shoulder at night and, depending on the type of dreams, they decided whether the stone was suitable.
- Now when choosing, it is better to use a horoscope or personal feelings.
- In any case, you need to choose a stone carefully so as not to purchase a fake.
We recommend: Copper Mountain owner | STONE MALACHITE
Favorable time to buy and prices
It is believed that it is better to purchase a talisman in winter or autumn.
Buying black onyx
The price of onyx is low; black and white specimens are more valuable due to their rarity.
The cost of jewelry depends on the quality of the stone, as well as on what metal is used to frame the gem and what other precious stones are used in the product.
Black mineral jewelry costs from 400 rubles. up to several tens of thousands of rubles.
How to spot a fake
Black onyx is quite rare in nature, so agates or marble onyxes can be passed off as it.
How to spot a fake
Dark onyx is a rare natural mineral, which is why there are cases of counterfeits. To determine whether the gem in front of you is real, you should pay attention to:
- The price of the stone - real black onyx cannot be very cheap.
- Color - a natural gem is distinguished by its brilliance, but not the richness of its color, unlike synthetic stones.
- Thermal conductivity - a natural mineral does not heat up for a long time, while artificial stone quickly succumbs to heat.
It is recommended to order and purchase onyx products only from trusted people and well-known stores. So the risk of getting a fake is practically absent.
Mineral deposits
Onyx is one of the minerals that is widespread throughout the globe. The rarest and most exotic specimens are found in the following deposits:
- Brazil.
- Uruguay.
- Arabian Peninsula.
- India.
Turkmenistan is famous for its cave deposits, where nature has created entire galleries from onyx, decorated with stalagmites and stalactites.
Industrial onyx raw materials are available:
- Pakistan.
- Türkiye.
- Afghanistan.
- Iran.
- Mexico.
- Egypt.
Russia is also rich in onyx deposits. The mineral is mined in Kolyma, Chukotka and Primorye.
How to wear and care
Black onyx is a rather capricious and fragile mineral; the product can easily suffer from mechanical stress, especially from abrasives. Jewelry and interior items with gems require care, which consists of following a number of rules:
- eliminate or minimize contact of the stone with solid objects;
- Clean the product weekly with a weak soap solution at room temperature using a soft brush;
- Store jewelry in a cool, dark place in a special bag.
Black stone bracelet
Men and women should not wear jewelry with dark onyx for long, as the magical abilities of the stone can make a person too domineering and strict. It is recommended to take breaks while wearing this type of wear.
Application of onyx
The history of many peoples is connected with this stone. It was used as a finishing building material in the construction of royal chambers and tombs, as a decoration for clothing, crowns, and clergy outfits. In modern times, attractive trinkets are made from it in the form of candlesticks (very often used to decorate fireplaces), animal figurines (they are used to emphasize the luxury of furniture), ashtrays, stands for stationery gift sets, cups, the price of which is affordable for everyone. Due to the wide variety of small art objects, onyx is considered by many to be a middle-grade stone rather than a precious stone.
However, it has not completely lost its value over the years. On the one hand, it is used as a material for small crafts, on the other hand, to create expensive interior items - lampshades, lamps, fireplace stands, tabletops, wall panels and mosaics, stained glass windows, flowerpots, glasses and wine glasses, caskets, lining of swimming pools and baths.
If we consider onyx from a jewelry point of view, then this stone is equal to jasper, lapis lazuli and obsidian, which join the second class of colored ornamental stones. Rings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, hairpins, cufflinks and necklaces are made from it.
Onyx suitable for industrial use is currently mined in Turkey, Mexico, Iran, Afghanistan, Egypt and Pakistan.