Onyx, Black Meaning and Properties
Black Onyx History
The name "onyx" comes from the Greek word for "fingernail," referring to the translucence of the white-colored layer of this multi-layered stone. According to myth, Cupid trimmed the nails of the sleeping goddess Venus. The Fates turned those clippings into stone to prevent even a part of Venus from dying.
The Romans were experts at glyptography (the carving of layered stones to reveal different colors) and crafted beautiful seals from onyx (white layer over black base) and sardonyx (white layer over reddish-brown base). The patterns were cut in negative relief. Engravings with a negative picture are called intaglios and those with raised image are cameos. In the Middle East, onyx was associated with sorcerers.
While ruby is the birthstone for July, black onyx is an alternative stone for the month and is associated with the Babylonian Zodiac sign of Capricorn.
Discover the beauty and black onyx properties that make this stone ideal for bold, elegant jewelry. Create this DIY necklace with a black onyx cabochon—perfect for gifting or selling.
What are the Metaphysical Properties of Black Onyx?
Black has long been associated with regeneration and new beginnings. Black onyx properties are said to include helping with change, encouraging mental flexibility, and offering protection—especially during travel or times of stress.
Black onyx’s metaphysical properties are said to be useful in fighting basic fears and helping to move beyond bad relationships—as well as to heal old emotional wounds. The Romans associated onyx with courage and it is thought to be useful when people are defending themselves against unfair criticism.
What is Black Onyx Made From?
Onyx is a form of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline quartz formed in the gas cavities of lava. Its multi-layered structure is similar to that of agates. When the stone has a black base and a white upper layer, it's called onyx. (Black onyx is uniformly black chalcedony.) When the base is brown, it is called sardonyx while carnelian-onyx has a red base.
Much of what is referred to as "black onyx" is gray chalcedony that has been chemically treated to be a rich black. The gray stone can be saturated with a solution of cobalt chlorate and chlorammonium, or it can be immersed for a prolonged period in a sugar solution and then heated in sulphuric acid to carbonize the sugar.
Brazil supplies the best multicolored raw material, but onyx is found worldwide. Gray chalcedony is found in India and China.
- Mineral Information: Microcrystalline quartz, chalcedony group
- Chemical Composition: SiO2
- Color: Black, usually dyed these days
- Hardness: 6-1/2 to 7 (Mohs)
- Specific Gravity: 2.58 - 2.64
- Refractive Index: 1.530 - 1.539
How Do You Clean Black Onyx?
Black onyx jewelry can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid exposure to household chemicals and extreme heat. Because of the hardness and durability of onyx, it should be kept away from other gemstones and jewelry to prevent scratching softer materials.
Black Onyx FAQ
Is black onyx always naturally black, or is it often dyed?
Most black onyx on the market is dyed gray chalcedony. Naturally black onyx is rare, and dyeing the stone enhances its uniformity and richness in color, making it more suitable for jewelry design.
Which chakra is black onyx believed to affect or balance?
Black onyx is associated with the Root Chakra, which governs grounding, stability, and protection. Learn more in the guide: Chakras and Their Gemstones.
How should black onyx jewelry be stored?
Store black onyx jewelry in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep it separate from other jewelry to prevent scratches and preserve any surface treatments or dyes.
What metal pairs well with black onyx in jewelry design?
Black onyx pairs beautifully with silver, gold, rose gold and gunmetal. Silver offers a sleek, modern contrast, while gold and rose gold add warmth and elegance. Gunmetal provides a bold, edgy aesthetic.
Designing with Black Onyx
Black onyx is neutral, making it a great design element to combine with many different colored stones, other gemstone beads and all metal tones. Its deep, dark, lustrous surface can play a striking contrast to the warm-colored gemstones like garnet, carnelian and red coral. Or combine it with any stone containing a black matrix such as lapis lazuli, rhodonite and turquoise to heighten these stones' vein detailing.
A Few Design Inspirations to Get You Started
Shop for Black Onyx
**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
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