Onyx is a unique semi-precious stone with many color variations. The gem is described in many manuscripts, myths and tales, where magical and healing properties are attributed to it. Exquisite jewelry, dishes and weapon handles were made from it, and the chambers of nobles and the thrones of kings were decorated.
Today it is important to know its distinctive properties so as not to purchase a fake, but a real onyx stone.
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.
History and origin of the mineral
In the mythology of Ancient Greece, there is a legend about how the stone came to people. It tells the story of how Eros, the son of Aphrodite, broke his mother’s nail while playing with a spear.
Then a crystal fragment of Aphrodite's nail fell from heaven to earth, turning into a beautiful agate stone. Because of the belief, the stone acquired its name.
Onyx means “nail” in Greek.
The real history of the stone goes back a long way. During excavations, vessels and figurines made of minerals made around the 5th–6th centuries BC were found. e., were found on the territory of Ancient Egypt and Babylon. The stone had a special sacred meaning. They attributed magical properties to it, decorated temples with it, and made ritual attributes out of it.
Physicochemical properties of the mineral
Onyx is a glassy ornamental mineral. Today, imitation chalcedony quartz, what it is from the point of view of geologists, is widely used as finishing panels and countertops in interior design.
Tiles imitating this gemstone are used to decorate buildings and metro stations, along with granite, with which it competes in hardness and beauty. The most valuable pieces of natural gemstones with stripes and beads are used for crafts (stone carvings) and jewelry.
In terms of moisture resistance and resistance to temperature changes, resistance to abrasion and mechanical stress, it is superior to marble, although it is similar in appearance.
Onyx has more shades - natural impurities give rainbow shades to this silicon dioxide, which is rarely monochromatic. It is often confused with other gemstones, including some examples of agate (lighter, matte) and carnelian, although these are also translucent silicas.
Chemical formula – SiO2 (natural volcanic glass with impurities). Accordingly, the mineral has a characteristic glassy luster, which distinguishes it from cheaper stones.
The hardness of onyx on the Mohs scale is within 6-7, density up to 2.65 - 2.667 g/cm³. Conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, visible up to 3-4 cm, which indicates the high transparency of the gem.
For a long time it was believed that black onyx and agate were one and the same. In the 20th century, it turned out that they have a different chemical formula, so the agate has a more matte shine.
Differences between natural onyx and fake
Onyx is not a precious stone, so it is extremely rarely counterfeited in order to pass it off as a natural mineral. However, due to a certain demand for facing work, souvenirs and jewelry made of onyx, today the production of its artificial substitute is widely established, which without certain training and experience is quite difficult to distinguish from the original.
- Therefore, the first advice for lovers of this stone is to purchase products in specialized stores that require a quality certificate.
- In addition, you should pay attention to some important differences: artificial onyx, unlike natural onyx, most often has unnatural bright colors that fade and fade over time;
- stripes in artificial stone often look very contrasting, as if painted. But sometimes, on the contrary, they are vague and indistinct;
- artificial stone is lighter in weight than natural stone;
- natural stone is more transparent, with a visible internal structure. In the structure of the fake, it is usually visible only through the polishing layer.
Diversity
Onyx color variations and development locations
Completely black onyx is a very rare stone, but most valued by businessmen, esotericists and adherents of occult practices. Of the colored samples, the rarest variety is the red palette, these are carnelian and sardonyx, the deposits of which are almost completely exhausted.
The most common shades of glassy mineral
The most common are translucent samples with stripes of the following shades:
- gray;
- light green;
- red-brown;
- white;
- pinkish;
- blue;
- honey;
- amber tone.
This gem does not have a pure white and transparent layer or (a fragmentary influx without stripes). Most often, white onyx has a milky, greenish and pinkish tint, less often with blue. The price includes variegated striped and completely black stones.
Treatment
The healing properties of black onyx stone will be useful for both women and men. Even in ancient civilizations, this mineral was considered healing. Its energies help in various situations:
- hearing treatment;
- stabilization of the nervous system and treatment of depression;
- memory problems and the need for brain stimulation;
- liver and kidney diseases;
- stimulation of blood vessels and heart;
- strengthening the spine;
- headache therapy;
- treatment of impotence.
Another purpose of using the stone may be to reduce weather dependence in people susceptible to weather changes. It will help women and men who want to lose weight. If you infuse water with onyx, it will be able to eliminate the feeling of hunger. Such liquid can activate metabolic processes.
Gem deposits
The most famous places of gem mining are the Turkmen Kap-Kotan and Karlyuk deposits. In the Cap-Kotan cave, entire stalactites and stalagmites made of onyx have been preserved.
In India and Uruguay there are places where the most beautiful specimens are mined. Onyx deposits in Arabia and Brazil are almost completely exhausted. Rich deposits have recently been discovered in America and Australia. Primorye, Kolyma and Chukotka are deposits in Russia, but due to the climatic conditions of the stone and low cost, they have not been sufficiently developed.
Black onyx is found in the Kaaba shrine, especially revered by Muslims. Deposits for the extraction of this variety are also located in the Arab East, where Islam is practiced. Red sardonyx in traditional mining areas is almost completely exhausted.
As an industrial raw material, the glassy mineral is mined in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Iran and Egypt, Mexico and Turkey. Most often, a single-color mineral is found with characteristic stripes of related shades. These are gray and green, beige and brown onyx.
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 spot a fake
Onyx is a hard stone with the properties of expensive stones, although it is classified as semi-precious or ornamental gems. High hardness leaves no chance of leaving damage on it.
Helpful advice! If you doubt that you have purchased beads from this stone, swipe it with a knife or any hard blade - there will be no scratches or other marks left.
Counterfeits made of colored glass are often passed off as onyx, sold to unlucky tourists and visitors to oriental bazaars at the price of natural stone. A natural gem does not heat up well, so it often has a lower temperature than the surrounding environment.
Looking at how a mineral looks in a photo, it is easy to recognize characteristic stripes and veins - natural stones do not have sharp boundaries between color segments. Contrasting transitions and multi-colored stripes without related shades are most likely a fake.
Note! Sometimes cheaper stones are impregnated with caustic green or red-brown dyes to add brightness. Such beads and pendants quickly fade, so sellers do not hang them on the counters on the sunny side of the market.
In interior design, they do not hide the fact that imitation glass, acrylic or onyx-like porcelain stoneware is used. This is a beautiful decor in the form of countertops and facing tiles.
Application
Onyx is used to make gems, women's and men's jewelry: earrings, rings, pendants, cameos. To do this, it is cut into cabochons, beads, and plates. Since ancient times, this valuable ornamental stone has been used for making small carvings and seals. Certain varieties of onyx are used in the production of decorative items - vases, figurines, boxes, table clocks, candlesticks, tabletops, etc. The mineral is used in mosaics and cladding.
Magical and healing properties of onyx
Often, some qualities of precious and semi-precious stones are greatly exaggerated, but this is precisely what makes them in demand as amulets and talismans.
It is known that yellow onyx in the form of beads or inserts in earrings helps girls prone to depression maintain an optimistic mood.
Black onyx has long been considered a magical stone; owners of a ring or bracelet on their right hand with this mineral had financial success, practically never going broke. Myths and legends also mention that “a stone in a ring as black as a pupil” warned rulers against excessive pride and connections with wicked allies.
Today, black onyx is highly valued among magicians and psychics, healers and esotericists, as it enhances energy potential. It is suitable for strong-willed and purposeful individuals, but for those who are ready to literally go over their heads towards their goal, it ceases to assist and protect from disasters. Prudence gives lovers of gambling.
Important! Doctors say that colored pyramids, balls and egg-shaped massagers are often used by patients with health problems. These figures are applied to the diseased organ, and relief is felt. But fake won't help.
Green stones are traditionally worn in jewelry by those people who strive for well-being. Onyx helps to achieve harmony in family relationships and get rid of debt problems.
As a healing amulet, according to healers, the mineral helps those suffering from stuttering, absent-mindedness, early stage cancer, migraines and weak potency. Onyx beads for elderly ladies can prolong a peaceful old age, “calming” the symptoms of chronic diseases.
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.
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.
Rules for purchasing and caring for onyx products
Natural glassy stone is quite durable, strong, and does not lose its properties when stored in any environment. It is enough to wash it from dirt with soapy water and hold it for a while under running water - it will restore its strength without losing its beauty and shine.
Experts say that it is better to buy products made from this stone on the 5th day of the lunar cycle, and start wearing jewelry from it on the 19th. For sardonyx, the same recommendations are 24-1 and 10 days. Carnelian is bought on the third day and worn from the 17th day.
For those who are not interested in the magical properties of stones and amulets, you can buy colored varieties in the form of small inserts in jewelry, wear them for any occasion and wear them for pleasure on any day.
Stone jewelry
Jewelry will release energy more effectively if you wear it constantly. But with such a long-term contact, a person’s character may become a little tougher, and thoughts about getting rich by any means will arise in his head.
To avoid the negative effects of the mineral, you need to give it a rest for a couple of days.
Onyx is considered a winter, autumn stone, so it is especially recommended to wear it in cold weather. The mineral has a varied color palette, so you can choose jewelry for any occasion. It will complement your image, making it more interesting and mysterious. Best suited for middle-aged and older women.
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Product care
To prevent the gem from fading and losing its attractiveness over time, you need to remember some features in handling:
- Keep the stone in a separate case or bag from others to avoid accidentally scratching the surface.
- Do not expose the stone to aggressive household chemicals or prolonged exposure to the sun.
- For cleaning, use polish and special solutions. Ordinary water will not harm the stone, but it will not cope with dirt. You can clean the mineral using traditional methods: wipe it with bread crumbs or brush it with soapy water.
