ONYX Overview

The name comes from the Greek word, onyx, which means fingernail. Black onyx reveals dark and deep opaque qualities. Black onyx is uniformly black chalcedony. It's one of the first grounding stones; as such, it encourages connection to material goals and to determination in realizing them. Black onyx is available as a tumbled stone, and totems.

Healing Properties

It is said to encourage the growth of fingernails, hair and skin.Onyx is soothing and helps in focus, to banish grief and old habits.Onyx is an extremely potent protective stone, and is widely known for its ability to protect against psychic attacks and hexes. It prevents the draining away of personal energy. Used to enhance self-control and aid in wise decision-making. Helps overcome feelings of loneliness and alienation.

Mythical Legend

In Greek times, almost all colors of chalcedony, from fingernail white to black and everything in-between, were referred to as Onyx. Romans eventually applied the term to describe black and dark brown colors only. Black Onyx was used in the memorial jewelry of England’s Victoria’s mourning period. The Romans associated it with courage and it is thought to be useful when one is defending him/her against unfair criticism.

Deposits: Black Onyx is found in Brazil, Madagascar and India.

Major Specifications of Gem

Color	Black, white stripe, usually dyed now
Mohs’ hardness	61/2-7
Density	2.58-2.64
Fracture	Chalcedony family
Crystal system	Hexagonal (trigonal)
Chemical composition	SiO2
Transparency	Opaque
Refractive index	1.55-1.54
Absorption spectrum	690,660
Chakra	Crown
Sun Sign	Aquarius, Aapricorn
Symbolic sign	10th Wedding Anniversary