The name Onyx is derived from the Greek word Nux, which means “nail” or “sharp claw of animals”. The reason for this name is that the onyx stone can have veins on it that are similar to the color of human skin and flesh.
Of course, there is also a legend in the naming of this stone, which states that in the afternoon of a sunny day, Venus, the celestial goddess of love and beauty, was napping. At this time, her young child named Cupid (who is depicted as a winged boy with arrows and arrows in the books) cuts Venus’s nails with one of the sharp magic arrows. The pieces of cut nails fell into the water of holy rivers and since they were heavenly and celestial, they went to the bottom of the water and turned into Enyx.
What is the stone of onyx?
Onyx is a type of chalcedony mineral with black and white parallel stripes, which can be seen in different colors, but in the market, its uniform black type is more popular and sells more. Onyx stone is formed from silica deposits in the pores of volcanic lava.
The difference between onyx and black opal
Contrary to popular belief, onyx is not the same as black agate. In fact, black opal and onyx are both layered types of chalcedony, which differ in the type of bands and bands on the stone.Agate has circular bands facing the center like a ring while onyx has parallel and straight bands. Onyx strips are usually black or white, but can be a combination of colors with shades of blue to purple. Often, these bands start from the bright side and separate in the dark part.
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In opal, the layers between the bands can have different colors. Also, there is a little transparency in agate and the stone can have different colors. But in onyx, the colors are generally matte and uniform (in the range of one or two colors).
Onyx stone processing:
In most cases, onyx is dyed to make its color more clear. These methods have been used for hundreds of years.
Immerse the stone in a chemical solution of melted sugar (carbon solution) and heat it with sulfuric acid to absorb the black solution to its upper layers and turn it into a uniform black onyx.
Other methods are also done with synthetic dyes along with nitric acid (removing annoying colors), which are generally sold in the market under the name of “black onyx”. Original and natural onyx stones can have white or black stripes, which, of course, are easier to recognize in rough samples. In ready-made gems, it is difficult to recognize whether the agate has been painted black or if it is really Enix.
Origin and source of Onyx
Onyx stone is found in many countries around the world.
These countries include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, Botswana, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar (Burma), Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, and It is America.
Onyx petrological features
Chemical formula SiO2, silicon dioxide
Triangular crystal structure, with microcrystalline derivatives
Black color, with a white upper layer. In various colors
Hardness 6 and a half to 7 based on Mohs scale
Refractive index 1.530 to 1.540
Density 2.58 to 2.64
Does not crack.
Opaque transparency
Double refraction up to 0.004
Waxy to dull luster
Variable moonlight: hard part, yellow, blue-white
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Properties of onyx stone in chakra therapy
This stone has the element of earth, which due to its variety of colors can affect the root chakra (first), navel (third) and third eye (sixth chakra). Onyx is a stone of inner endurance that increases a person’s ability to maintain mental focus and enables him to endure difficult and even depressing tasks along the path of evolution.
This stone can help a person in the flow of self-mastery energy, relieve anger, suppress enthusiasm, calm the fiery temper and provide an excuse for fiery emotions and passions. If you want to meditate in high energy and improve mental and physical abilities, especially after illness, onyx is the best stone for you.
Use of onyx in jewelry
Onyx is a widely used material that is used in the jewelry industry and shows its unique texture and special color.
Black onyx is often used for men and women.
Onyx It goes well with gold jewelry.
In Victorian times, onyx was famous as a mourning jewelry and in Art Deco jewelry, it took on a special appearance with silver.
In addition to being beautiful on its own, onyx It also looks beautiful with diamonds.
