Onyx

FUN FACTS

In the Middle East, people often rub onyx through their fingers in order to lessen stress and anxiety 

Some people going through drug or alcohol rehabilitation will carry onyx stones around in the belief it will increase their strength and self-control

The famous Roman general Scipio was known for wearing onyx as a means of protecting himself during battle

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Onyx

ABOUT

Commonly worn as a sign of mourning, and these days it is sometimes associated with goth or emo culture because of its dark color. Nonetheless, it has far more positive associations that are too often forgotten. Onyx can be used not only as a form of protection but as a means of negating negative thoughts directed towards you, and of promoting both harmonies inwardly and in your relationships. It is also said to help its wearer recover from past negative relationships. Physically it targets ailments relating to blood, bone, feet, and soft tissue disorders. Its brilliant appearance can also increase your authority, aiding you in taking control of your destiny.  Although the rings that appear on the stone do come in many colors including grey, blue, red, and white, black is often the most recognizable and therefore the most coveted. 

Onyx

STORY

Onyx’s name is derived from the Greek‘onux’, for claw or finger, due to the claw-like veins that often appear on the stone. Greek mythology posits that the stone is the remains of the goddess Venus’s fingernails clipped off by cupid. The ancient stone was formed through the gas bubbles of lava from silica gel. Egyptians revered the stone, often using it to make mundane household items like bowls, and it’s even said that they tried to employ various methods to darken it. It was also used as an art medium in Greek, Roman, and Minoan societies. Closer to our era, onyx was a particularly favorite stone during the Art Deco movement, where it was paired with other precious stones including diamonds and rubies. Of notable mention was its routine pairing with jade to great effect. Onyx can be found throughout the globe in countries including Uruguay, Brazil, Australia, Madagascar, the UK, and various states in the US.

GEMOLOGICAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • FAMILY

    Chalcedony - Cryptocristalline Quartz

  • CHEMISTRY

    SiO2

  • REFRACTIVE INDEX

    1.537 ±0.02

  • BIREFRINGENCE

    Invisible

  • SPECIFIC GRAVITY

    2.60 ±0.05

  • HARDNESS

    6.5 - 7