Black, a powerful colour, is often associated with, among other things, elegance, strength, beauty and sophistication. The colour itself makes black onyx attractive for use in jewellery. However, apart from beauty, it is worn primarily for its spiritual properties. Let’s dive a little deeper and learn about black onyx – its meanings and uses.

Onyx is a type of agate-like layered chalcedony. In fact, the difference between onyx and agate is only in the formation of their stripes. While agate is composed of curved stripes, the layers of onyx are parallel.

Most people think that onyx is only found in solid black, but it actually comes in a wide variety of colours. The most popular colour, however, is solid black.

Symbolism and meaning of onyx

Onyx is considered the stone of the mind. It helps improve memory, reduce stress and balance the mind. It was appreciated as a stone for neurological disorders, helps to cope with pessimism and relieves of unhappy relationships.

Onyx was traditionally decorated with a ring and an amulet pendant. However, stone jewellery has now become a popular trend and now stylish necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other jewellery can be purchased.

What gemstone colours go well with black onyx?

Black onyx jewellery contrasts perfectly with clear crystals and white gemstones such as diamonds, moonstone, pearls and white opal. White and black are a classic combination, be it jewellery or clothing.

Black onyx jewellery is also a great addition to dark gemstones such as rubies, amethyst, jade and sapphires. The deep colour of these stones stands out even better against the opaque black onyx.

Some Other Details about Onyx Stone

Onyx is a magnificent striped stone with a rich history that is revered by Muslims and Christians. Legends were made about this mineral; it was used to treat many diseases. It is believed that the amulet has powerful energy and is able to protect its owner from damage, the evil eye and even accidents.

Description and characteristics of the stone

Onyx is one of the varieties of chalcedony. In fact, it is quartz, rich in many impurities, therefore its chemical formula is SiO2. In many respects, the mineral resembles granite and marble, but even surpasses them in terms of frost resistance, hardness and moisture absorption.

The hallmark of onyx is its pattern – multi-colored stripes are obtained due to various impurities, which are arranged in layers.

The stone has the following physical properties:

1. shine – glass;
2. hardness on the Mohs scale – from 6 to 7 units;
3. transparency – opaque or translucent by 3-4 cm;
4. density – 2.65-2.66 g / cm3.

Onyx is one of those minerals that are widespread throughout the planet. For this reason, there are quite a few deposits, but the following countries are considered the most famous suppliers of stone:

1. Brazil;
2. Uruguay;
3. the countries of the Arabian Peninsula;
4. India.

In addition to small accumulations in the earth’s rock, there are huge cave deposits. For example, in Turkmenistan, nature has created entire galleries of onyx, decorated with stalactites and stalagmites.

The history of many peoples is associated with this stone. They were used to decorate temples, royal chambers and tombs, clothes of monarchs and priests. In modern times, an interesting decor for the home is made from onyx :

1. figurines;
2. figurines of animals;
3. candlesticks;
4. ashtrays;
5. cups.

Jewellers actively use onyx to create exquisite jewellery. Beads, bracelets, earrings and rings with an amazing gem are very popular.

Is onyx a precious / semi-precious stone or not?

Due to the wide distribution of the gem, many consider it an ornamental one. In fact, this is not true. From a jewelry point of view, onyx can be compared to lapis lazuli and jasper, which are in the 2nd class of gemstones.

Onyx is a gemstone that is actively used in jewellery.

What colors can onyx be: all types and varieties of the mineral

Nature has created a very wide palette of shades for this stone. The main shade can be beige, yellow, green, brown and even pink.

Natural stone is never completely monochromatic.

The color of the mineral directly depends on impurities and conditions for the formation of onyx.

BLACK ONYX

The most valuable type of mineral, which is also called Arabian onyx. This is a stone of deep black colour with stripes and splashes of white. In this case, the stripes can be either very thick or completely invisible.

GREEN MINERAL

A stone with a greenish tint is also called mineral onyx. This mineral is considered a type of calcite – a natural form of calcium carbonate.

WHITE STONE

White or pure onyx is often used for interior decoration. Beautiful stones of a milky or pinkish hue have a pattern in the form of seeming cracks or small veins.

THE REST OF THE COLORS ARE ORDINARY: PINK, BEIGE, BROWN, YELLOW AND BLUE

Minerals of the indicated colours are considered common. The stripes of such an ordinary onyx differ by only one tone from the main shade.

How to distinguish a fake

Despite the fact that onyx is an inexpensive stone, there are still fakes, but it is quite easy to distinguish a natural mineral from a fake. To do this, you need to know some of the features of a natural gem:

1. Natural onyx looks very harmonious. If you think the colour transitions are too harsh, it might be fake.
2. This mineral does not conduct heat well. Even if you hold it in your hands, it stays cool.
3. The stone is very durable and difficult to deform. If you run the blade over natural onyx, there will be no scratches.

Of course, no one will let you scratch the mineral in the store, but you can carefully look and hold it in your hand.

The magical and healing properties of onyx stone

People have discovered the magical properties of the mineral long ago. Some peoples revered the stone and used it in shrines, while others were afraid to even hold it. Indeed, onyx is considered a powerful amulet and has the following properties:

1. protects against alien magic;
2. brings good luck to its owner;
3. cleans the aura and removes damage, the evil eye;
4. improves intellectual abilities and concentration of attention;
5. protects against deception, betrayal and gossip;
6. makes the owner more confident and attractive;
7. gives inspiration, helps to reveal talents;
8. helps to overcome fear of the audience and improves speaking skills.

Onyx balls and pyramids are considered especially strong.

The spherical stone concentrates energy, and thanks to the patterns of the mineral, it constantly mixes and does not stagnate. Pyramids are used to direct energy flows in the right direction. This is especially appreciated by magicians and diviners.

The strongest magical properties are observed in black onyx. A gold ring with such a stone will give the owner a powerful boost of energy.

Besides magic, the stone has strong healing powers. People have been using these useful properties of a stone for many centuries. For example, in the past, a powder of this mineral was used to heal wounds.

The striped gem has tremendous health benefits. This is most clearly expressed in the following:

1. lowering temperature and relieving inflammation;
2. abatement of headache (even with migraine);
3. relief from rheumatism;
4. slowing down the growth of tumors;
5. help in getting rid of stuttering (Arabic onyx is especially effective);
6. removal of fatigue, apathy and laziness;
7. increased potency (a red stone with noticeable stripes will help in this);
8. strengthening the immune system and increasing tone (greenish minerals are the most powerful).

The brighter the stripes on the stone, the more health benefits it will bring.

Healers offer 3 options for using the stone:

1. For treatment with a mineral, it is often sufficient to simply carry it with you. It is desirable that the onyx jewellery is in contact with the skin. To heal wounds or bruises, it is better to apply the mineral to the sore spot.
2. Water infused with onyx helps with weight loss, which is very important for women.
3. For muscle pain, it is recommended to massage with a mineral in the form of a small egg.

However, remember that the stone is only a helper, not a panacea (a cure for all diseases and ills).

Who is onyx suitable for the zodiac sign?

The stone fully reveals its magical and healing properties to the owner who suits him according to the sign of the zodiac.

Ideal compatibility with onyx is observed with Aries and Capricorn.

For hot-tempered Aries, the mineral helps to cope with emotions, not to give up halfway and clearly go towards your goal. With such an amulet, they will be able to direct their energy in the right direction and make significant changes in their lives.

For Capricorns, onyx provides powerful personal growth. The mineral inspires and gives them a huge supply of energy, which is so often lacking. Under the influence of the stone, Capricorns confidently develop and reach new heights.

The gem has a favourable meaning for other signs of the zodiac:

1. Taurus will get rid of bad habits and reveal their sociability. They are advised to choose a stone of warm shades, which will become a powerful talisman for them against evil and disease.
2. Blue onyx will suit Cancer men. The stone will help the representatives of this sign gain confidence and inner strength.
3. Leos should also take a closer look at such a mineral. An unusual gem will give Leo decisiveness and help him win love and respect in society.
4. Virgos with the help of onyx will overcome embarrassment and cease to depend on the opinions of others. The talisman will relieve fatigue, tension and give them peace of mind.
5. The blue mineral provides good support to Libra, helps them to order their lives and not worry about the future.
6. Scorpions, who are often possessed by dark thoughts, are more suited to black onyx. A powerful amulet will protect them from depression and provide harmony in the family.
7. Sagittarius will find calm and balance under the influence of the stone. This sign can use the mineral as a protection against envy and evil.
8. Aquarians will become more confident and will easily overcome obstacles in their life path. In Aquarius women, onyx improves intuition.

And there are signs of the zodiac, for which it is better to look after another amulet stone:

1. It is not recommended for Pisces to wear jewellery with a striped mineral, as it can increase their tendency to depressive thoughts and asceticism (rejection of earthly goods).
2. Onyx is completely contraindicated for twins. Representatives of this sign are creative and versatile people. A strong stone makes them choose only one goal and stubbornly move towards it, losing interest in other interesting tasks. For this reason, the powerful amulet causes negative thoughts or even depression in them.