Onyx is a popular gemstone that has been used throughout history for a variety of purposes, including art and jewelry making, especially during the Victorian era. In the past, onyx was an expensive and highly valued gemstone, but today it is one of the more affordable gems. With its unique, attractive colors and stylish look, onyx is a great addition to any jewelry or gemstone collection.
If you're considering buying onyx, check out this article for everything you need to know.
What is Onyx?
Onyx is a gemstone formed from a layer of chalcedony, a silicate mineral made from calcite. It is similar to agate, the only difference between the two is that agate contains curved bands, while onyx has parallel layers.
Onyx has been used in jewelry and gemstone healing in ancient times and is also considered a protective stone.
Onyx is a historic stone that has been used in jewelry and hard stone carving since ancient times. The ancient Egyptians used it to make pottery, while the Austrians used it to make needle plates and trays. Today, the mysterious charm of onyx, its affordability and growing demand for black jewelry have made it a highly sought after and popular gemstone in the jewelry world.
There are several types of onyx, classified according to their different color bands. These types include:
· Sardonyx - This gemstone has flat bands and a brown base with red stripes. It is one of the most common and affordable types of onyx.
· Niigro Onyx - This type of onyx has an extremely thin upper layer through which the dark color of the black base can be seen. It is mainly shown in blue or grey.
· Cornelian Onyx - Unlike niigro and sardonyx, corneal onyx has light bands on a red base. Alternating white and red bands give the stone a unique and attractive appearance.
· Black Onyx - Some varieties of onyx have a single color without any ribbon, black onyx being the most well-known type. Black onyx is rare in nature, which is why most of the black onyx found on the market today is made from gray chalcedony that has been treated and turned into black onyx.
What Color is Onyx?
Although most people think of onyx as always black, it is available in a variety of colors, from white to black. Some of the most common colors and shades include green, blue, red, gold, brown, or gray. Lighter colored onyx stones are slightly translucent, and each color has its own unique variation.
How is Onyx Formed?
Onyx is an interesting and unique gemstone that rarely forms in cavities in lava. These cavities are filled with gas, and when silica is deposited in them, it creates the distinctive stripes or bands that are typically present in the stones, or bands, usually found in stone. Bands appear in black and white or brown and are straight, unlike bands in quartz (also known as agate). This is why agate is often mistaken for onyx.
Onyx also forms naturally in the cave as water drips off the ends of stalactites and stalagmites and evaporates, leaving traces of calcium carbonate and minerals.
How Should I Care for My Onyx Gems?
Onyx is a fairly hard stone with a Mohs hardness of 7, the same as quartz. Although the stone's composition is tough, it is easily damaged, and a hard blow or bump can crack or chip the stone. This means you need to pay special attention to your onyx piece and keep it away from other harder gems that can scratch and damage it.
Store your onyx pieces safely in a jewelry case or wrap them in cotton cloth. It's also important to keep it away from harsh chemicals, perfumes and cosmetics, as these can damage it, take away its luster and make it look dull. Remove the stone before swimming, as the onyx absorbs moisture and the chlorine in the water can damage it.
What does Onyx Symbolize?
In ancient Persia and India, onyx was seen as a protective stone that prevented the wearer from being evil. The design is beautiful and the contrast between the black and white layers also symbolizes the love shared between the two people. Some believe the unique stone was also a protector of intimate harmony, and it has been thought of as such ever since.
However, black onyx has historically been associated with bad luck. In Arabia, it is called "el jaza," which means "sadness." In ancient China, onyx was mined by slaves and servants, and people were afraid to touch the gemstone, believing it would bring them nightmares, misfortune and cause them to lose energy.
Does Onyx have Healing Powers?
Onyx is a popular stone used for gemstone therapy and is believed to have several healing properties. Black onyx is said to promote steadfastness, stamina and vigor and treats blood, bone marrow and bone disorders.
Some of the most common healing properties of onyx include: enhancing your focus, encouraging clear thinking and sensibility, enhancing protection, shielding you from evil and negative energies. Onyx is also believed to relieve (or even cure) problems in the teeth and feet.
How Should I Clean My Onyx Gemstone?
If you want your onyx or jewelry to last a lifetime, it's important to take care of it. Keep in mind that onyx is a porous stone, which means it absorbs liquid easily, so never wash or soak it under running water. Instead, use a dry, soft cloth or brush to wipe off any dirt from the stone.
If the piece does not feel clean enough, moisten the soft cloth with a little water and wipe it down carefully. When done, gently wipe it down with a paper towel or other soft cloth and store it in a safe place. Never use any cleaning solution (not even soap) on the stone as it can cause discoloration.
Is Onyx Valuable?
Although onyx used to be a valuable gemstone, it is now very affordable. Depending on your budget, it can choose from a variety of prices. This is why onyx is a popular choice for personality pieces and costume jewelry.
While an onyx gemstone is not expensive on its own, the overall design of the piece containing it can be valuable. Vintage and antique jewelry items that contain onyx are often valuable, especially when the stones are set in precious metals such as white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold and platinum, just to name a few.
Wrapping Up
While onyx is a fairly cost-effective gemstone, it has a surprisingly expensive look that makes it well worth the cost. If you are looking for a gorgeous, elegant and mysterious gem to add to your collection, this is an excellent choice.
Post time: Dec-12-2022