Unique semi-precious stone Onyx - varieties, photo of the mineral and with whom it is compatible according to horoscope

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.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

• Black onyx is a chalcedony type of quartz.
• The deep black mineral is rare in nature.
• The shine and beauty of the stone can be seen after processing.
• The gem is used to make jewelry, talismans, amulets and other products that have magical effects on the owner.

History and legends

According to Ancient Greek Myths, onyx got its name from the word “nail”, which was dropped to Earth by the goddess Aphrodite. The stone is mentioned in the Bible, it was one of the 12 precious crystals from the belt of the Jewish high priest. From the legends it follows that the gem adorned Solomon’s throne and served as building material for the royal palace.

Black onyx

In different countries it was believed that the mineral has strong magic:

• In India, it was believed that onyx is the eye of a dead goddess: it destroys families and kills love.
• Noble men of Georgia used appropriate talismans to protect themselves from enemies.
• The ancient Chinese considered this nugget dangerous and avoided deposits with it.
• The Egyptians used the gem to decorate their interiors and temples.
• The Aztecs used the mineral for sacred rituals.
• The Italians and French decorated cups and interior items with onyx, and used it in jewelry.

Physicochemical characteristics

Onyx is a type of agate that consists of black and white layers. It is rarely found in its pure form, so it is often mined from dark layers of black and white agate.

Black and white agate

Properties are similar to those of marble:

• hardness – 6-7 points on the Mohs scale;
• stone color – anthracite;
• transparency – translucent, sometimes translucent, not constant;
• shine – glass;
• porosity – 0.35 – 0.95;
• The nugget fracture is conchoidal;
• density – 2.6 g/cm3.

We recommend: Transformations of AZURITE STONE

Where is it mined (deposits)

The formation of the rock is associated with volcanic processes and ash deposits in underwater layers. The stone is also found in clayey rocks.

Expensive, high-quality specimens are mined on the Arabian Peninsula and India.

Mines in Brazil

Deposits of the nugget are still found in Russia, America, Brazil, China and other countries.

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.

How to care and wear

The gem is quite fragile and requires careful handling. It is easily subject to mechanical stress, as a result of which it becomes unusable. Therefore, when doing any physical work, it is better to temporarily remove the amulet.

It is necessary to limit the contact of the gem with solid objects. It is advisable to clean your jewelry every week. A weak soap-based solution is ideal for this. The water should be at room temperature. It is better to choose a softer brush.

Store onyx jewelry in a dark and cool place. A special small bag is suitable for storage. Experts advise both men and women to wear the stone for a short time. Otherwise, it can make the owner too domineering and tough. Therefore, it is better not to forget about regular breaks.

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.

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.

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 and the signs of the Zodiac

The healing power and magic of the stone are fully revealed if it suits a person’s zodiac sign. Aries and Capricorn are ideally compatible with the mineral. The first gem helps to cope with anger, achieve goals, without giving up halfway. With such talismans, Aries will be able to concentrate and direct their irrepressible energy in the right direction.

For Capricorns, this gem provides personal growth, forcing them to develop and move forward to achieve their goals. Such a talisman will help representatives of this sign move up the career ladder.

Onyx is also favorable for other zodiac signs:

• With the help of this mineral, Taurus will get rid of their bad habits, receive protection from evil and disease, and reveal their sociability. This sign is recommended to choose a stone of warm colors.
• Onyx will be a good amulet for Cancers. It is especially suitable for men of this sign, endowing them with inner strength and confidence. The stronger sex should choose a mineral of blue tones.
• This stone is also suitable for Leos. It promotes the development of internal qualities, gives determination, and helps in winning the respect and love of others.
• Onyx helps Virgos overcome embarrassment and stop depending on the opinions of other people. Such a talisman will relieve stress and fatigue and fill its owner with energy.
• The blue mineral is more suitable for Libra. It helps to organize life and gives confidence in the future.
• Scorpios are better off choosing black onyx. It will eliminate bad mood and depression, ensure harmony in the family, and protection from evil.
• For Sagittarius, the mineral gives them the peace they need and helps them find balance. The stone can be used as a talisman against evil and envious people.
• For Capricorns, onyx is a source of energy, helps to find a way out of difficult situations, and stimulates activity.
• Aquarians who own this mineral become more confident and overcome obstacles in their path. In women of the sign, the gem develops intuition.

Important information

Pisces should wear onyx with caution. There is a risk of increasing the tendency towards asceticism. The mineral is contraindicated for Geminis. White and black stones are especially dangerous for them, as they can provoke depression.

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.

PROPERTIES OF STONE

The healing and magical properties of onyx are varied.

Medicinal properties

Onyx stones are valuable not only as jewelry or decorative items.

Black onyx

Various forms of using the mineral in the treatment of ailments:

“Onyx remedies” in modern healing practice:

We recommend: Rampage inclusion HAIRY

White onyx

Magic properties

Onyx is a stone whose magical properties have been used since ancient times.

Amulet with a gem:

• protects against negative energies;
• promotes rational decision making;
• gives courage, determination, self-confidence, courage;
• increases leadership qualities, concentration, harmonizes the state of the psyche; accompanies success in the public speaking field;
• intended for heroes and outstanding representatives of society.

In the Ancient East, the mineral was considered a bad omen: onyx bowls were perceived as poisonous.

Transparent onyx

The modern attitude towards the magic of onyx is rather positive:

Cave

Effect on chakras

• The value of onyx is great for all chakras, especially for Manipura: the solar plexus chakra.
• The onyx talisman has receptive Yin energy and activates Yang.
• Decoration with a stone is associated with Mercury and Saturn and belongs to the element of Earth.

Which zodiac signs are onyx suitable for?

Natural onyx stone is perfect for Cancers: it will give them confidence, eliminate excessive suspiciousness and the habit of moving backwards.

• A mineral of pink, yellow or red colors - improves the communication skills of Capricorns, Taurus, Virgos.
• Black onyx will help Leos achieve love, recognition by relatives and others for their merits, which is not the least important in their lives. A stone of this color is ideal for Sagittarius, Scorpio, and Aquarius.

The mineral is categorically not suitable for Gemini, as it enhances the clash of opposing energies.

Pink onyx

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.

Jewelry stone evaluation

Onyx does not belong to the first row of gems, so it is rarely awarded expensive frames made of gold or platinum. A popular, affordable and sought-after combination for jewelry is onyx in silver.

The gem is not cut, but processed into a round or oval cabochon to maximize the beauty of the stone.

There are jewelry made of stone (beads, bracelets, pendants) and products inlaid with Onyx.

A black monochrome mineral or with white, yellow, golden, green stripes is considered jewelry. But such specimens are rare. They also use light stone - white, gray, blue, pink. A special case is black Onyx. It is used for rings, cufflinks, and bracelets for men that look discreet and status-worthy.

In women's jewelry it is combined with first-line precious stones - emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, rubies and simpler gems - pearls, smoky quartz, and others.

Photo of Onyx stone