Onyx

Onyx is a type of chalcedony, a cryptocrystalline form of silicon dioxide. It is characterized by its parallel banding of colors, often black and white or solid black. The name 'onyx' comes from the Greek word for 'fingernail,' because of the stone's resemblance to the color of human fingernails. Onyx has been used for jewelry and ornamental purposes for millennia, and it reflects a timeless elegance favored in various cultures.

Onyx
Category: Quartz
Hardness: 7
Specific Gravity: 2.65
Luster: Waxy to Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent to Opaque
Crystal System: Trigonal
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal
Composition: SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide)
Typical Size: Varies (commonly cut into cabochons or beads)
Found In:
BR Brazil US United States IT Italy
Uses:
  • Jewelry
  • Decorative items
  • Engraved stones
  • Healing crystals
Onyx is believed to absorb negative energy and promote emotional balance. It is associated with protection, strength, and self-control, making it a popular stone for grounding and stability.