Onyx
Onyx is a black or banded variety of chalcedony. Chalcedony is the name given for many well-known varieties of micro-crystalline quartz.
These minerals include types whose individual crystals are too small to be easily distinguished. Onyx is a silicon dioxide, with impurities
and can display parallel white bands or ribbons, against a black background. The colours of the bands range from white to shades of black,
brown and tan. Sardonyx is a variety of onyx in which the coloured bands are shades of red (sard) rather than black. Onyx is 6.5 – 7.0 on
the Mohs' scale of hardness and is usually cut as a cabochon, or into beads. With its consecutive lays of different colours, it is
an ideal stone for intaglios and cameos.
Onyx is found all over the world, the most important deposits being found in Mexico, India, Brazil, Madagascar, Algeria and Pakistan.
The name onyx comes from the Greek word ‘onux’ meaning nail or claw. Legend says that Cupid cut the fingernails of Venus with an arrowhead,
while she was asleep. He left the clippings of her nails on the beaches but since no part of a heavenly body can die, the fates turned them into
stone. These stones became the chalcedony stones that the Greeks named onyx. Onyx applied to all chalcedony in ancient Greece, until the Romans
decided that onyx should refer to just dark brown and black chalcedony.
Relating back to the Greek myth, onyx was believed to encourage the growth of fingernails, hair and skin. Sardonyx was greatly valued in Rome
for use in seals because it did not stick to the wax. Black Onyx was used in the memorial jewelry for Queen Victoria’s mourning period. Jewellery
made during this time was somber to reflect the monarch’s sadness. In the Art Deco period, onyx was a popular stone to combine with rubies and
clear quartz. Onyx has served as a worry stone and used for rosary beads for centuries. Crystal healers believe that onyx promotes happiness by
giving an inner confidence and positive disposition. They also recommend it for improving concentration. In India, onyx has been worn around
the neck to cool ardours of love.
Onyx is the birthstone for August and for the zodiac sign of Leo (July 23 – August 23). It can also be given as a 7th wedding
anniversary stone.