Gems TV

ONYX

Onyx is a Chalcedony Quartz with a fine texture and parallel bands of alternate colours. Commonly known as “black magic”, this gem’s name comes from the Greek word “onyx”, which means fingernail or claw.

Legend says that one day while Venus was sleeping Cupid cut her fingernails and left the clippings scattered on the ground. Because no part of a heavenly body can die, the gods turned them into a gem, which later became known as Onyx.

Legends and lore

Related to its mythological origin, Onyx is believed by some to encourage the growth of fingernails, hair and skin. In Greek times, almost all colours of Chalcedony Quartz from fingernail white to dark brown and black were called Onyx. Later, the Romans narrowed the term to refer to black and dark brown colours only. Today when we think of Onyx we often preface the word with “black” to distinguish it from other varieties of Onyx that come in white, reddish brown, green, brown and banded colours. Onyx which is reddish brown and white is known as Sardonyx.

With its consecutive layers of different colours, the ancient Romans believed Onyx to be an excellent cameo (a gem carved in positive relief) gemstone. Sardonyx was highly valued in Rome, especially for seals, because it was said never to stick to the wax. Roman General Publius Cornelius Scipio was known for wearing lots of Sardonyx. Onyx is often associated with instincts and intuition. It is believed to give one the power to deeply analyze a situation before reacting to it, as well as better business acumen and management skills. Crystal healers also believe that it restores confidence in life and love, thereby increasing your happiness.

Just the facts

Quartz gemstones are commonly separated into two groups based on the size of their individual crystals. The macrocrystalline Quartz (large crystal) group includes many popular gemstones such as Amethyst, Ametrine and Citrine. Cryptocrystalline Quartz includes species whose individual crystals are too small to be easily distinguished. Apart from being a variety within the group, Chalcedony is also a catchall term to describe cryptocrystalline Quartz and includes many gems that have been coveted since antiquity.