Onyx

Onyx comes in a wide range of colors. Some onyx is evenly colored while some is banded. Onyx is easily dyed, so beware of the more unnatural looking colors, such as bright blue, etc. Onyx with red or black and white bands is sometimes referred to as "Sardonyx".

Stone's names: Onyx, Sardonyx (with white and brown bands). Color: Onyx is a gemstone with alternating light and dark bands, which are colored in brown, red, black, white and grey.

Description: SiO2 Onyx is striped, semiprecious variety of the silica mineral agate with white and black, brown or red alternating bands. Its properties are the same as those of quartz.

Birthstone: Sardonyx is the birthstone of Leo (Lion): July 23 - Aug 22.

Wedding anniversary: Onyx is the anniversary gemstone for the 7th year of marriage.
Black Onyx is the anniversary gemstone for the 10th year of marriage.

Varieties: Varieties of onyx include carnelian onyx, with white and red bands, and sardonyx, with white and brown bands.

Care and treatment: Onyx may chip or scratch rather easily, so store onyx carefully and never allow two specimens to touch each other.

From the stone history: The name onyx was used by the Romans for a variety of stones including alabaster, chalcedony, and what is now known as onyx marble.

Cameos are cut from stones, such as onyx or agate, where different colors occur in layers. The background material is cut away, leaving the cameo design in relief. Onyx is also used in intaglios because its layers can be cut to show a color contrast between the design and the background.
Sardonyx at one time was more precious than gold, silver, or sapphire. Sardonyx is always widely used in cameos and intaglios.

Shopping guide: Onyx is a rich-looking, affordable gemstone. It is often mixed with pearls to create elegant jewelry. Treated agate is often sold as Black Onyx.

Healing ability: Onyx is used as a heart, kidney, nerve, capillary, hair, eye and nail strengthener. Onyx is said to help one sleep. This gemstone helps to eliminate apathy, stress and neurological disorders.

Mystical power: This gemstone eliminates negative thinking, it is also believed to sharpen the wits of the wearer. Onyx is said to bring spiritual inspiration. It is a great assistance in holding emotions and passions under control.

Black Onyx is used to help one change habits.

A type of onyx called “Chert” (similar to Flint) is grey to black.  Used to assist in memory during daily routine or lookback at lives.  Help find lost items.  Chemical imbalances, allergy reactions, and decrease fatty deposits. 

The type called Flint is grey, smoky-brown, or brown-black.  This is excellent for thought transference.  Protective energies and dispel negativity from haunted localities. Vibrates to #7.

Mystical Properties: Black Onyx has long been prized in rosary beads and said to have healing power, however, it is also said to bring nightmares and depression and bring on arguments and losses in courtroom battles. 

White onyx on the other hand, is said to soothe quarreling couples in India and cool sexual passion. Yellow or "honey" onyx is said to help in knowing when to keep silent.

Dreaming of Onyx is said to be a good harbinger of a happy marriage.

Natural Healers use Onyx to reduce sexual impulses, provide defense and protect during any battle or conflict, as well as provide protection from psychic attack.

Healing Properties: Onyx is said to be a "grounding" stone, that keeps energy within the body and prevent its drainage by stress. It is also thought an important stone governing the 1st Chakra, especially important for the ovaries, womb and menses. Yellow onyx is said to benefit lung problems.

Scientific Properties: Onyx is composed of banded Silicon Dioxide. Hardness: 6.0-7.0 on the Moh's Hardness Scale. Important locales include Mexico.

Back to List of Gems