Product Description
FOUND IN: BRAZIL, INDIA, URUGUAY & USA
In Greek times, almost all colors of chalcedony from white to dark brown and black were called Onyx. Today when we think of Onyx we often preface the word with black to distinguish it from other varieties of Onyx that come in white, reddish brown, brown and banded. Later, the Romans narrowed the term “Onyx” to refer to black and dark brown colors only.
Although Onyx, sard and sardonyx are all varieties of chalcedony, onyx is similar to agate, with straight rather than curved bands. These bands may be brown and white or black and white. Sard is a brownish red variety, sardonyx is a blend of sard and onyx and therefore has the straight white bands of Onyx and the brownish red color of sard.
Onyx is mined in Brazil, India, California and Uruguay. It has a fine texture and black color; however some Onyx also displays white bands or ribbons against a black or brown background and again, this variety is known as sardonyx.
Most Black Onyx that is commercially available today is color enhanced (heated and dyed) to increase it’s depth of color, although this process does not decrease it’s value in any manner.
METAPHYSICAL:
Onyx is thought to increase regeneration, happiness, intuition and one’s instincts. It is also told to decrease sexual desire, and to aid in changing bad habits.
The shapes or patterns that Onyx holds inside it have led some to suggest that Onyx has a picture in it that tells a story or carries a lesson. Lore tells us that an Onyx will retain memory of the physical occurrences surrounding a person. A strong stone to use in psychic work as it tells the story of the wearer.
A strength-giving stone, good for athletes or people under extreme mental and emotional stress. It brings balance to mind or body as well as strength of mind. Onyx is a wonderful stone for those who are flighty by nature, as it will help ground and focus your attention. A strengthening stone that can help you approach a lesson or task with greater self-confidence. It is highly recommended that Onyx be used in conjunction with pearls and diamonds to increase their own metaphysical qualities.
Mystical Birthstone for the Month of December, and birthstone of most ancient cultures for the month of July.
SCIENTIFIC:
Color: Bluish, White, Grey
Color of streak: White
Moh’s hardness: 6½-7
Specific gravity: 2.58-2.64
Crystal system: Hexagonal (triagonal)
Chemical composition: SiO2 silicon dioxide
Refractive index: 1.530-1.540
Double refraction: +0.004
Absorption spectrum: Dyed Blue: 690, 660
Fluorescence: Blue0White
