At Planderful we work every day to offer you unique and special jewelry. Each piece has a particular personality and the materials we use have a meaning, properties, and history. There is no gemstone that does not keep an old legend inside, so in this post, we tell you all about the Onyx gemstone.
What is the onyx stone?
Onyx stone is one of the most popular gemstones because of its great beauty and multiple properties. It is a mineral of great hardness (7 on the Mohs scale), which makes it perfect in the world of jewelry, being increasingly present in all types of jewelry.
Onyx or onyx is a variety of dark-colored agate, with shades ranging from black to reddish, and with alternating white bands. Black is the most common color of onyx, although grayish tones can also be seen.
This gem is composed of silica and is of volcanic origin. The word onyx comes from the Greek "onux" and means "nail" or "claw", in reference to its color. Onyx is formed in silica depositions at low temperatures, as silica-rich water seeps through cracks in other rocks.
Onyx is often used as a protection stone, and is characterized by having a very special luster that makes it stand out from other minerals, and gives it great beauty. It is part of the quartz family, and more specifically, of the rock crystal family.
Deposits: India, Mexico, United States, Brazil, Russia, and South Africa.
Origin of the Onyx gemstone
Surely you recognize the particular black color of this stone, but you may not know its history. According to Roman mythology, legend has it that Cupid cut the nails of the Goddess Venus with an arrow while she was sleeping. Cupid scattered her nails over the earth and sand so that no part of the Goddess' body would disappear, nor would it be used by other gods. With the passage of time, her remains became what we know today as the precious stone Onyx. Curious, isn't it?
As in other mythologies, it was considered important to get rid of the body parts of their gods to prevent them from acquiring their properties. Thus, onyx became linked to the goddess of love.
Black is not normally the color associated with nails. But in Greek times, almost all colors of chalcedony, from nail white to dark brown and black, were called onyx. Later, the Romans shortened the term to refer to black and dark brown only.
Reddish, brown, and white onyx are known as sardonyx. Sardonyx was highly valued in Rome, especially for seals, as it was said that wax never stuck to this mineral. The Roman general Publius Cornelius Scipio was known to wear large quantities of sardonyx in his jewelry.
The Romans followed the tradition and used onyx in their jewelry and to make amulets where the signs of the zodiac were engraved. It was popular among soldiers to wear these talismans with engravings of heroes such as Hercules or with the image of Mars, the god of war, to give them bravery and courage in battle.
Properties of the Onyx gemstone
The black Onyx is one of the most known gemstones worldwide and is associated with multiple properties that will make you want to wear it with all your accessories. As we have mentioned, the Onyx is a protective black stone, which according to theory, converts negative energies into positive ones. It is also believed that it can cleanse our aura and offers great resistance on a mental, physical, and spiritual level.
In any case, the meaning of black onyx has no scientific evidence. This has been attributed to different cultures over time, which has led it to be one of the most popular spiritual stones worldwide.
Therapeutic properties
It is believed that Onix is a stone of vigor and strength. It promotes self-confidence and a positive outlook on life. Onyx in combination with rock crystal quartz is often used for protection and for energetic cleansing of spaces. Onyx is recommended to keep calm when facing responsibilities.
On a healing level, onyx is said to be good for teeth and bones, and to reduce acute pain by placing it directly on the sore spot. This gem is also associated with the 1st chakra for rooting.
Uses of Onyx
In its uses, Onyx has always been linked to spiritual and healing properties. Here are the main uses of the Onyx stone:
- Releases stress
- Provides greater stability
- Strengthens nails, hair, and skin, improving their condition.
- Offers protection against bad energies
- Promotes aura cleansing
- It is of great help for meditation
- Enhances concentration
- Protects our homes
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Characteristics of Red Onyx
Red onyx is a mineral that forms patterns or veins in reddish and brown tones (sardonyx), among others. It is formed by the inclusion of iron and manganese; it originates hydrothermally in hollow cavities.
Red onyx provides strength and protection, improves perception and assimilation capacity, and brings stability. It is a stone that attracts friends and good luck, confidence in ourselves and others, helps us to overcome obstacles, and gives us the joy that we will transmit to others. It strengthens self-improvement and willpower.
Jewelry with the Onyx gemstone
You can benefit from all these properties of the Onyx gemstone in jewelry. You will wear a very special jewel and an amulet that will accompany and protect you at all times. Not only that, both its characteristic color and its unmistakable shine make Onyx jewelry one of the most elegant you can imagine to complete your favorite looks or wear on special occasions.
Onyx gemstone cleaning and care
You want your Onyx jewelry to last and protect you for a lifetime, so it needs to be properly cared for and cleaned. Its porous surface is very fragile, so you must avoid any kind of blow or scratch, so keep them wrapped in cotton or other soft fabric. When you want to clean them you only need a dry cloth.
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