Onyx

Black onyx stone meaning

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Onyx stone is a banded variety of chalcedony. Agate and onyx are both varieties of layered chalcedony that differ only in the form of the bands: agate has curved bands and it has parallel bands. The colors of its bands range from white to almost every color, save some shades, such as purple or blue. Commonly, some specimens of color contains bands of black and/or white.

It comes through Latin, of the same spelling, from the Greek meaning “claw” or “fingernail”. With its flesh tone color, It can be said to resemble a fingernail. The English word “nail” is cognate with the Greek word.

Varieties

The stone is formed of bands of chalcedony in alternating colors. It is cryptocrystalline, consisting of fine intergrowths of the silica minerals quartz and moganite. Its bands are parallel to one another, as opposed to the more chaotic banding that often occurs in agates.

Sardonyx is a variant in which the colored bands are sard, shades of red, rather than black. It is perhaps the most famous variety but is not as common with colored bands. Artificial treatments have been used since ancient times to produce both the black color in black onyx and the reds and yellows in sardonyx. Most chalcedony on the market is artificially colored.

Imitations and treatments

The name has also commonly been used also to label other banded materials, such as banded calcite found in Mexico, India, and other places, and often carved, polished and sold. This material is much softer than true chalcedony, and much more readily available. The majority of carved items sold as chalcedony today are this carbonate material.

Artificial stoness have also been produced from common chalcedony and plain agates. The first-century naturalist Pliny the Elder described these techniques being used in Roman times. Treatments for producing black and other colors include soaking or boiling chalcedony in sugar solutions, then treating with sulfuric or hydrochloric acid to carbonize sugars which had been absorbed into the top layers of the stone.

These techniques are still used, as well as other dyeing treatments, and most so-called black onyx sold is artificially treated. In addition to dye treatments, heating and treatment with nitric acid have been used to lighten or eliminate undesirable colors.

Black onyx meaning and healing properties benefits

The following section is pseudo scientific and based on cultural beliefs.

Encourages sensibility and clear thinking. Enhances protection and shields you from negative energies. Assists with grounding. Allows you to face your shadow side with courage and learn important lessons so that old patterns and traumas can be released.

FAQ

What does onyx mean?

Black agate meaning: it comes through Latin, of the same spelling, from the Greek meaning “claw” or “fingernail”. The stone with flesh-colored and white bands can sometimes resemble a fingernail. The English word “nail” is cognate with the Greek word.

What does onyx symbolize?

In ancient Indian and Persian tales is referred to as a protector from evil. The Indian gemologists describe the crystal as a protector for harmonious relationships. The stones close union and yet strong contrast between the layers of black and white are considered symbolizing for the love between two people.

What is onyx used for?

Crystals connect you with the realm of the night, where your true self can be found. The stone is a protection stone. Its purpose is to help prevent the drain of personal energy while at the same time absorbing and transforming negative energy.

What is the onyx stone good for?

A powerful protection stone, black agate meaning absorbs and transforms negative energy, and helps to prevent the drain of personal energy. The black stone aids the development of emotional and physical strength and stamina, especially when support is needed during times of stress, confusion or grief.

Can you wear onyx everyday?

It is suitable for everyday wear. You can clean a ring easily and because the stone is durable, you can wear it every single day. A ring looks great with almost any other gemstone jewelry piece. You can wear your ring with diamond studs, a sapphire necklace or even a turquoise bracelet.

Can onyx get wet?

Don’t wet the stone or soak it in water, however, It is porous and absorbs liquids easily. After the cleaning, dry the stone with a soft cloth.

What is onyx in the Bible?

The crystal is first mentioned in the Book of Genesis: “And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone” (2:12). The Book of Job mentions the stone. Speaking of wisdom, Job declares: “It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire” (Job 28:16).

Who can wear onyx stone?

The people belonging to the Virgo Zodiac can opt to wear the stone, as both the zodiac Virgo and the gemstone belong to the earth element, and hence works best for Virgos. Even though the crystal is suitable for Virgo people, it should also be tried for a three-day trial to conform its initial effects.

Is onyx an expensive stone?

Known as the traditional black gemstone, It has been used in jewelry and as a protective stone since ancient times. The stone used to be extremely valuable but today it is an affordable gemstone, and suits any budget.

What chakra is onyx?

The gemstone stimulates the root chakra, the source of physical and spiritual energy that flows through the body. When in balance the body begins to regain strength and stamina.

Is a black onyx valuable?

The black stone is more valuable than the other colors available, too. The stone can vary in value from $1 to $500 US per carat on its own. That varies with the setting of the gemstone itself. With a setting of silver, it’ll be less than a setting of yellow or white gold.

Can black onyx go in the sun?

The color won’t fade because of its dark color

Natural onyx for sale in our gem shop

We make custom made onyx jewelry as engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, pendants… Please contact us for a quote.