Onyx primarily refers to the parallel banded variety of chalcedony, a silicate mineral. Agate and onyx are both varieties of layered chalcedony that differ only in the form of the bands: agate has curved bands and onyx has parallel bands. The colors of agate’s bands range from black to almost every color. Commonly, specimens of onyx contain bands of black and/or white.
History & Lore
It has a long history of use for hardstone carving and jewelry, where it is usually cut as a cabochon or into beads. It has also been used for intaglio and hardstone cameo engraved gems, where the bands make the image contrast with the ground. Onyx was used in Egypt as early as the Second Dynasty to make bowls and other pottery items. Use of sardonyx appears in the art of Minoan Crete, notably from the archaeological recoveries at Knossos. Peruvian and Native American traditions believe onyx inspires feelings of personal power that comes from facing your fears. Being free of garden-variety phobias is like having a super power. It frees your soul from the shackles of self-doubt and anxiety by guiding you to a richer, more meaningful existence.
Meaning & Symbolism
Echoing the stillness of the night sky, Onyx symbolizes initiation and change. The healing properties of Onyx are a gem at soothing the stress of everyday life because it works to bring harmony to the work-life balance with its grounding effects that make you feel safe and anchors you to the earth.
Origins & Location
Onyx is a gemstone found in various regions of the world including Greece, Yemen, Uruguay, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, South America, the UK, and various states in the US.
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