Onyx and agate: are they the same thing or not, how are they different, what is more expensive?

A huge amount of semi-precious stones and minerals are mined in the world, many of which, due to the same origin, are similar in appearance. A striking example of twin stones are agate and onyx - striped minerals that are difficult to distinguish from each other to an uninformed person. Trusting buyers are misled by sellers selling black onyx - agate colored in a dark shade or obtained naturally. Before agreeing to the persuasion of sellers who claim that there is no difference between the stones, you should find out how they differ.

Agate and onyx: are they the same thing?

Sellers in jewelry stores, in the absence of one mineral, often offer another, assuring that agate and onyx are the same thing. However, this is not so: minerals are close relatives and have much in common, but still differ from each other. To understand the difference between stones, you should study the characteristics in more detail.

Agate and onyx are classified as ornamental minerals, which have always attracted people's attention with their beauty and patterns. Both stones are considered a variety of layered chalcedony. In terms of physical properties and chemical composition, gems have much in common:

equal hardness;
resistance to acids;
transparency around the edges;
the set of color tones is similar;
density over 2.6 g/cu.m. cm.

The minerals are not identical. The main, but not the only, difference between gems is their color.

Onyx for women

The gem will help a girl decide on her life goals and attract true love into her life. The mineral normalizes the mental state of an adult lady, creates internal balance and relieves negative thoughts. For a married lady, an onyx amulet will help improve relations with her husband and protect her from lies and betrayal on the part of her significant other.

During pregnancy, a talisman with a gem protects the expectant mother and fetus from diseases, damage or the evil eye. In addition, the stone reduces the manifestation of toxicosis, reduces the risk of miscarriage and promotes the birth of a healthy baby.

What is the difference between agate and onyx?

To understand the differences between stones, you should take into account the following details:

In agates, the contrast of layers is weakly expressed, the boundaries between the lines are inconspicuous.
The pattern of agates is a unique pattern - each stone is original, and there are no two copies with the same pattern in nature. Onyx has parallel rather than ring-shaped lines.
The luster of agates is matte, while that of onyxes is glassy.
The agate is not transparent, but is slightly translucent at the ends. Onyx has the same qualities, but less pronounced.
Agate deposits are located in India, Russia, Georgia, and Armenia. Onyx stones are mined in America, Brazil, Uruguay, Algeria and Mexico.
Natural striped gems do not come in one color. The agate palette includes lemon, crimson, pink and other shades. Ordinary onyx is decorated with dark and light stripes, but some specimens are decorated with scarlet, gray or brown inclusions.

What types of agates are there?

Let's start with the first gem - agate. There are many legends and beliefs associated with this amazing stone. But even today it remains one of the most sought-after gems. For example, in the Gold.ua catalog you will find a lot of jewelry for every taste, inlaid with multi-colored agates.

From time immemorial

It is believed that the first mentions of agate appeared in distant antiquity, in the Roman Empire. And this happened about seven thousand years ago. They say that in ancient Rome there was a wide river Achates, along the banks of which original gems were found. This is where the name agate comes from. Well, the first “star” lover of the mineral is considered to be Pomona, the Roman goddess responsible for the fertility of fruit trees.

In addition, agate is mentioned in the famous legend of the Holy Grail. It is believed that Satan, going to hell, lost one of the stones with which his crown was encrusted. It was agate. The stone turned into the Holy Grail, into which the blood of the crucified Christ was later collected. If someone drinks from the Holy Grail, they will be forgiven of all their sins and go straight to heaven.

There is another, no less widespread legend, according to which agate represents the eye of a heavenly eagle. This proud bird was a participant in the battle between good and evil. Wounded, she fell to the ground and turned into stone. But the death of the heavenly eagle did not prevent him from continuing to judge the good and evil committed by man. It’s just that agate took over this function.

Others believe that this eye does not belong to the heavenly eagle, but to the Creator himself. This, however, does not change the essence. The stone still symbolizes goodness, protects against evil and protects a person from bad deeds, endowing him with mercy and gentleness.

The beauty of agate served him well. Our ancestors already understood how beautiful a product inlaid with this layered gem could be. From ancient times to the present day, there has been a great variety of agate jewelry: rings, earrings, brooches, and pendants. Previously, agate was used not only to decorate oneself, but also objects around a person. Thus, seals and cups, vases and snuff boxes, handles for umbrellas and knives made of precious gems were widespread. Today, agate is used primarily in the jewelry industry and is one of the most sought-after gems.

Physics and chemistry of gems

Nowadays, there is no doubt for science that agate is one of the varieties of quartz. True, the process of origin of the mineral is not completely clear. What is known for sure is that agate is formed in lava accumulations or in limestone voids. Silica penetrates into the formed “caves” (cavities) and is deposited there. The formation of agate is associated with division into layers: each subsequent layer of silica is, as it were, superimposed on the previous one. It is this process that explains the original appearance of the mineral. After all, pay attention to what agate looks like (absolutely any one, regardless of the variety). Such a mineral always has a layered structure. Knowing this basic fact will help you understand how to distinguish agate from other stones: just look for a stone that clearly shows layers.

Agate is considered a fairly dense and hard material. When processed into jewelry, it acquires a “glassy” shine, although when broken it can look rather waxy and oily.

There are quite a lot of deposits of this gem on the planet. In ancient times, agate was found in the territory of modern Germany, France and Egypt. Today, both European countries (for example, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, Italy) and the American and African continents (it is found in the USA, Mexico, Uruguay, Madagascar, Egypt) can boast deposits of layered quartz.

Such different agates

Dry science clearly explains the reasons for the appearance of the special beauty of quartz gems. The stripes that give agate its unique charm are the consequences of uneven crystallization that occurred during the formation of the stone. The same scientists count approximately 151 varieties of agate, and each differs not only in color, but also in the nature of the layers. Moreover, these stripes can be multi-colored even within one specific stone! The origin of the agate also determined the features of its design. In the vast majority of cases, these are closed lines that reflect the shape of the very cavity in which a particular agate was born.

Yes, when giving birth to agate, nature did its best... Which layers are most common? As a rule, white. But there are also more exotic shades:

brown;
yellow;
red;
blue;
black.

Moreover, the border between the stripes is not always clearly defined. It may be “blurred”, but the layers themselves are still visible very well.

The patterns that form on agate are also worthy of the brush of the greatest artist. These can be outlines of figures or even entire paintings. So, slightly straining your imagination, in the thickness of the agate you can see real landscapes - seas or deserts.

Scientists have classified the bizarre forms of patterns that are formed during the origin of agates. Now, depending on how exactly the layering of the gem looks like, agates are distinguished:

ocellar;
star-shaped;
serfs;
landscape;
dairy;
cloudy;
ruins.

If you have a white or blue-gray agate in front of you (the most popular), they do not give it a special name. But if we are talking about a more original stone, then it gets its own special name (for example, moss agate is green, reminiscent of moss thickets).

There is no less “scatter” in the color range of the stone itself. It is surprising that the color of the mineral can be very rich and dense, but there are also agates of “diluted” colors, almost transparent. The following gems are found in nature:

white;
blue;
gray;
blue;
green;
pink.

The last two shades are rarely found, and such agates are very expensive.

It is imperative to answer the most common question: is there such a thing as black agate? You should be very careful here. Natural black agate is extremely rare in nature and is expensive. But its healing and magical properties are legendary. Moreover, black agate is considered a particularly powerful amulet for men. It enhances potency, gives representatives of the stronger sex self-confidence and makes them excellent defenders.

But girls love black jewelry no less. The fact is that the natural beauty of charcoal agate makes it an ideal inlay for any piece of jewelry. It can be faceted or cabochon-shaped, and can be combined with silver or platinum - and, of course, gold. Such jewelry will always be extremely sophisticated and original. In addition, agate goes well with other stones. It looks especially impressive in contrast with transparent rock crystal, but you can choose any other combination options. Black stone beads can be considered a unique decoration. With this accessory you will feel both regal luxury and impeccable elegance. Of course, such products are quite capricious to wear: for example, they are unlikely to look appropriate with a white T-shirt and jeans. But as an evening or formal option, a black stone for jewelry is definitely the best choice. You will feel great. And look the part.

Symbolism of agate

An agate amulet was considered one of the strongest, but it had to be worn with caution. Agate did not forgive its owner for cruelty, cunning and deceit. But on the contrary, he encouraged and supported good deeds.

It is believed that the element of agate is Earth. Therefore, by the way, agate is a talisman of the most “earthly” sign of the Zodiac, Taurus.

Just like our planet, agate symbolizes strength, wisdom, prudence, strength and stability. For a kind but hot-tempered person, agate helps to calm down anger. It makes the jealous person generous and helps to forgive offenses. In general, this stone is considered a mineral of justice and honesty. For a person who lives in harmony with himself and the world, agate will serve as excellent protection from other people’s negative energy.

If a black stone is considered a symbol of power, a companion of leaders, then white agate is responsible for love feelings. Moreover, he does not help single people find a lover; his program is aimed at bringing tenderness and respect to existing feelings.

The healing properties of agate have also been thoroughly studied. Already in the Middle Ages, people were treated with agate powder, including bites from poisonous insects. It was believed that a black stone placed in the patient’s mouth would help him cope with the feeling of thirst.

Interestingly, the layered mineral helped against diseases depending on its own color color. For example:

the white mineral had a wonderful effect on the nervous system, with its help people treated insomnia, stress and depression;
blue agate slowed down aging, had a rejuvenating effect on all systems and organs, and increased the level of immunity;
yellow stone treated diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the lungs;
red agate helped cure cardiovascular and endocrine diseases, it also helped with infections;
the multi-colored mineral seemed to combine the effects of stones of all colors and had a beneficial effect on the body as a whole.

It was believed that the best place to wear agate was the left hand. But beads made from these gems protected the throat and teeth from diseases and were used as a prophylaxis for diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract.

Types of minerals

Both minerals are divided into many varieties. Classic agate is a stone with blue-gray and light layers that form a beautiful pattern. The group of agates is divided into varieties depending on the patterns:

ocellar;
star-shaped;
cloudy;
ruinous;
tape;
landscape;
sapphirine (blue);
iridescent.

Onyx is also divided into types depending on color and pattern:

Arabic - black and white mineral;
carnelian - red and white lines;
sardonyx - specimens with brown and light stripes;
chalcedonyx is a gray-white mineral;
Onyx is a stone with alternating light and dark gray lines.

Separately, mention should be made of the popular variety called black onyx. In nature, an absolutely black stone does not exist; there are dark specimens with faint layers. Black onyx is just a trade name used for agates.

All-coal mineral is obtained in two ways:

Coloring. In ancient times, carbon was used to impart a charcoal color; now cobalt nitrate is used.
The natural way . Sometimes you come across agates in which the thickness of the dark layer is several cm. To obtain black onyx, this dark layer is cut and processed. However, it is important to note that calling such a stone onyx is incorrect, because the word “onyx” implies alternation, and not a single color.

Definition

Agate (from the Greek word for “lucky”) is a universal jewelry stone with a unique layered pattern that never repeats. Due to the variety of colors and brightness of color transitions, this stone is very popular. The most valuable type of agate is ocular agate, with concentric circles around a central cavity. The mineral is opaque, translucent at the edges. The most common agates are gray and blue, and the layers are mostly white, yellow or brown - this is the first difference between agate and onyx, which comes in brighter colors.

Agate, according to other sources, was named after the river on the island of Sicily, where it was first found. This stone was popular in the Middle Ages; earrings and beads were made from it. During the Roman Empire, agates were considered a symbol of the goddess of fertility, and all farmers wore jewelry made from this stone. In astrology it corresponds to the sign of Taurus.

There are many varieties of agate - Brazilian, moss, bastion, iridescent, disk, star, woody.

Onyx (from the Greek word for “nail”) is an ornamental jewelry stone with a colored striped pattern. According to legend, this stone is “biblical”, as it was in the ring of the high priest during his first service. It has the same properties as agate, only less pronounced. It is worth highlighting black onyx (which is essentially the same as black agate) - historically it is believed that the stone appeared at the moment of the union of Eros and Chaos. There are no ideally shaped black onyxes in nature, and therefore sellers offering round or oval stones are deceiving the buyer.

Among the varieties of onyx are sardonyx, Mexican and Algerian onyx.

History and origin

Another difference between the layered beauties is the history. Stones have been known to mankind since ancient times, and the history of each representative is interesting and informative.

The mineral onyx gets its name from the Greek word “onychion,” which translates as nail.

According to Greek legend, Aphrodite's son, Eros, was somehow playing around and hit his mother's finger with an arrow, from which the nail fell to the ground, turning into a striped mineral of amazing beauty. From Arabic the name is translated as “sad”, since the stone was often used to decorate tombs, for example, the Gur-Emir mausoleum in Samarkand.

The history of agate is no less interesting. According to the first version, the name of the mineral is translated from Greek as “useful” or “lucky.” Another version says that the gem received its name from a river in Sicily - Ahastes (Dirillo).

The stone has been known to people since ancient times; proof of this is a ship built BC. e., the floors of which were covered with agates and other minerals. Striped stones were prized by the Sumerians and Egyptians - they were used to create jewelry that was found in Sumerian cities and the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun.

The origin of the gems is the same - presumably volcanic. Rocks form in the voids of solidified lava through diffusion. According to another version put forward by scientists, minerals owe their appearance to silicic acid and solutions settling in rock cavities.

Medicinal properties

Healing properties of jewelry with gems:

earrings will help improve vision and cure ear diseases - the marbled mineral is considered the most effective;
a pendant with red onyx helps improve heart function;
A bracelet made from this mineral will relieve arthritis.

The following medicinal properties are also attributed to the stone:

relieves stuttering;
improves the functioning of the immune system;
has a rejuvenating effect on the entire body;
reduces body temperature;
slows down the growth of benign and malignant tumors;
eliminates headaches;
normalizes the functioning of the digestive system, liver and kidneys.

Regular use of onyx will help get rid of nightmares, long-standing phobias, signs of depression and outbursts of causeless aggression. Amulets with this gem also help to cure alcohol or drug addiction.

Areas of use

Striped minerals are used in the same areas: stones are used to create jewelry, candlesticks, seals and for interior decoration. In addition, they are valued and loved by esotericists, magicians and healers.

What are striped varieties used for:

Since ancient times, onyx There are references to such decorations in the Bible. The most famous example in the world belonged to Benvenuto Cellini - the Last Supper is depicted inside the colored stone.
Agates are used to create mortars and pestles for chemical experiments, prisms and stones for scales and watches, jewelry, dishes and figurines. A huge dish is kept in the Austrian Kunsthistorisches Museum - the diameter of the product is almost 0.75 m. In the Middle Ages, the mineral was ground into powder and treated for patients from snake or scorpion bites.

Interesting facts about agate

What is more expensive: onyx or agate

Despite their uniqueness and amazing beauty, onyx and agate are not precious stones. Many collectors do not pay attention to this and are happy to add valuable specimens to their collections.

The cost of agate, given the beauty of the stone, is modest. The price of a natural mineral will be up to $2 per gram, with a maximum of $110–220 per pebble. However, it is important to note that rare agates with a unique color or design are more expensive. When purchasing jewelry, the cost will be affected by the type of metal and inclusion of other stones.

Compared to agate, onyx is an expensive mineral, as it costs twice as much.

Onyx and agate are two close relatives that share many similar features and characteristics. But despite similar qualities, striped minerals are different - differences are manifested in color, density and luster.

Magic properties

Stones of different colors have the following magical abilities:

yellow relieves apathy and bad thoughts, gives the owner a feeling of peace;
green protects newlyweds and married couples with many years of experience from scandals or
misunderstandings, activates the creative potential of the owner;
white clears the environment of unnecessary people and allows you to achieve your goals;
marble relieves mood swings and protects against stupid actions;
black protects against any magical actions from the outside.

Important! Black onyx is best worn in a ring on the index finger of the left hand or in a pendant hidden under clothing and located at chest level. Black stone is recommended to be worn only by individuals with a strong character - it will make soft-bodied people greedy and aggressive.

Onyx of any color has the following magical qualities:

reveals the owner’s hidden talents;
increases authority at work and in your inner circle;
gives confidence in one's own abilities;
improves financial condition;
protects from evil actions on the part of ill-wishers;
increases concentration, develops intuitive thinking.

Onyx will protect ambitious people from rash actions, and will help responsible individuals working at dangerous sites to return to their families safe and sound.

For students or schoolchildren, an amulet with this gem will allow them to cope with anxiety in a timely manner and successfully pass exams.

The magic and naturalness of gems

Not only royalty and museum workers, craftsmen and jewelers want to own semi-precious stones. On the fourteenth anniversary, called Agatova, it is customary to give gem products. Men are recommended to give preference to a dark-colored stone, women - a light one. According to one version, the female name Agatha comes from an amazing mineral.

The estimated value of a gem depends on:

cutting skills;
brightness and purity of color;
origin stories;
on the number of natural defects.

Agate is approximately two times cheaper than onyx. The healing and magical qualities of minerals are inherent only in natural stones. Due to their availability and low price, they are rarely counterfeited.

However, minerals can be distinguished from counterfeits, most often heat-resistant polymers or cheap marble, by the following criteria:

the fake sample looks like something between glass and plastic;
fades over time and looks like cloudy glass;
It should alert you when the boundaries of the picture are either too clear or too blurred;
natural stones are heavier in weight than marble (calcium carbonate), especially plastic;
veins in stones deep (3-4 cm) are visible to the naked eye;
minerals remain cold for a long time when they are heated in a clasped palm.

It is believed that agate and onyx will present all their best qualities to the signs of the Earth according to the eastern horoscope (Taurus, Capricorn and Pisces). The rest of the zodiac should use semi-precious stones as personal jewelry in gold or silver settings.

Minerals are susceptible to mechanical damage; scratches can form on the surface, which significantly worsens their appearance.

Once a month, the stones are washed in soapy water and polished with a soft cloth. Wearing them constantly is not recommended. It is better to store jewelry in velvet bags.

Lithotherapy techniques in action

The owner of the stone is given its energy potential. According to the canons of lithotherapy (treatment with crystals, minerals and clays), onyx has a wide range of healing effects on humans.

It is used for diseases:

gastrointestinal tract (normalizes liver condition, diarrhea and constipation, as an anthelmintic);
mental disorders (epilepsy, headaches, insomnia, forgetfulness);
metabolic disorders in the elderly and pregnant women;
asthma;
inflammatory processes.

It has been noticed that onyx-corneos not only protect people from quarrels and lightning, but also stop bleeding, sharpen hearing, and help with dental problems. If colic occurs in the abdominal cavity, they can be applied to the stomach to relieve pain. White cornelian is called the stone of love, and red is considered the amulet of an eloquent speaker.

Stone price

Onyx jewelry

Onyx products are affordable. The final cost of the jewelry is determined by the size of the stone and the metal of the setting. For example, jewelry with a stone in a jewelry alloy setting can be purchased for $10-15. Silver products are a little more expensive - in the range of $40-65. The price of premium jewelry in gold or platinum frames with diamond inserts ranges from $170-230.

The price of facing products depends on the size and type of mineral. For example, on average, facing material can be purchased for $0.5-150/kg.

Onyx for men

Red onyx is recommended for use by men for the treatment and prevention of impotence. The stone will get rid of laziness and replenish energy after a hard day - this will allow you to get a higher position and salary increase in a short time. During business trips, the talisman will protect against misfortunes and unexpected death.

For a married man, onyx will help resolve long-standing conflicts with his wife, strengthen feelings and achieve mutual understanding. An amulet with the mineral will attract good luck in your own business, strengthen your oratory skills when communicating with potential partners, and help you make the right decision at a crossroads or in an emergency situation.