Identity card of the Onyx Stone
- Origin of the name: The name "onyx" comes from the Greek word "onyx," meaning "nail" or "claw," referring to the legend that Cupid cut Venus's divine nails with an arrow while she slept, and the gods turned those nails into stone so they would never perish.
- Group of belonging: Quartz (Silicates).
- Chemical composition: SiO2 (silicon dioxide), onyx is a form of agate quartz, characterized by its alternating bands of color.
- Crystal system: Rhombohedral.
- Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it strong enough for use in jewelry.
- Deposit(s): Onyx is found mainly in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Uruguay, and the United States.
- Color(s): Although black onyx is the most famous, this stone can exhibit bands of white, gray, blue, red, and yellow. Pure black onyx is rare, with most specimens exhibiting alternating bands of color.
- Chakras: Onyx is primarily associated with the root chakra (Muladhara), promoting grounding, strength, and stability.
Onyx is a powerful stone, renowned for its protective properties and its ability to provide strength and support in difficult situations, encouraging vigor, stability, and endurance.
Where does the name Onyx come from?
The name "onyx" intrigues and fascinates, evoking the mysterious depths and dark sparkles of the stone it designates. But where exactly does this name come from, and what story lies behind this term that has survived the ages to reach us today? Let's delve into the origins of the name onyx to discover the rich heritage of this captivating gem.
Ancient and Etymological Origins
The word "onyx" originates from the ancient Greek language, deriving from the word "ὄνυξ," which means "nail" or "claw." This name originates from an ancient Greek legend, which tells how Cupid, the god of love, cut the divine nails of the goddess Venus while she slept. The deities, not wanting these divine nails to corrupt on earth, transformed them into stone, giving birth to onyx.
Symbolism and Meaning
This mythological origin gives onyx a strong symbolic dimension, linking it to beauty, love, and transformation. The onyx stone, in ancient times, was therefore considered to have protective and lucky properties, due to its divine connection. Its association with the image of the fingernail also suggests an idea of strength and resilience, qualities that have long been associated with onyx.
Onyx Through the Ages
Over the centuries, onyx has been used and valued in many cultures, from the ancient Egyptians to the Romans to the Greek civilizations. Each culture interpreted and used onyx in unique ways, whether for carvings, protective amulets, or as decorative elements. However, the name "onyx" has remained, spanning the ages as a testament to humanity's continued fascination with this stone.
Varieties and Colors
Although onyx is often associated with its black variant, the stone can exhibit a range of colors, including white, red, or brown bands. The name "onyx," however, has remained primarily associated with the image of the black stone, a symbol of elegance and mystery. The various colors of onyx add to the richness of its history and the diversity of meanings and uses attributed to this stone over time.
What is the history of Onyx stone?
Onyx, with its deep hues and contrasting bands of color, is a stone that evokes mystery and elegance. Its rich and varied history spans civilizations, testifying to its importance and value throughout the ages. From antiquity to the present day, onyx has captivated the imagination of peoples, becoming a symbol of protection, power, and beauty.
Ancient Civilizations and Beliefs
The use of onyx dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was used to create pots and bowls, as well as amulets believed to protect the dead in the afterlife. The Romans, meanwhile, carved seals and cameos into onyx, valuing its ability to create a striking contrast between layers of color. For the Greeks, onyx was associated with the legend of Eros (Cupid) clipping the divine nails of the goddess Aphrodite, symbolizing transformation and eternity.
Middle Ages and Renaissance
During the Middle Ages, onyx was often used to create religious objects, such as crucifixes and rosaries, believed to have protective properties against evil spirits. During the Renaissance, onyx gained popularity as a material for cameos and intaglios, reflecting the era's taste for classical art and mythology, and showcasing the mastery of the craftsmen of the time.
Symbolism and Virtues
Throughout history, onyx has been credited with numerous virtues and meanings. It was considered a stone of vigor, offering strength and support in difficult times. Its dark appearance was also associated with protection against negative energies, making onyx a prized talisman for personal defense. Furthermore, onyx is said to stimulate self-discipline, helping its wearers achieve greater emotional and mental stability.
Onyx in Modern Cultures
Today, onyx continues to be a prized gemstone in jewelry, appreciated for its unique aesthetic and rich symbolism. Its shades, ranging from deep black to marbled white, and various colors in between, make it a versatile and elegant stone. Onyx is also used in interior design, where it adds a touch of sophistication and mystery.
What is the origin and composition of Onyx stone?
Onyx, a stone of profound mysteries and captivating beauty, has fascinated humanity since ancient times. Its unique composition and geological origin give it a special place among gemstones. Let's explore the secrets of onyx, from its millennia-old formation to its complex, eye-catching structure.
Geological Origin
Onyx is a variety of chalcedony, which belongs to the quartz family. It forms from silica deposits in cavities in volcanic rock or in ancient river and lake beds. These deposits accumulate in layers, creating the characteristic parallel bands of onyx. This layered formation is the result of repeated episodes of dissolved silica seeping into these cavities and hardening over time. Onyx is distinguished by its bands of contrasting colors, often black and white, but can also exhibit a range of colors including red, brown, and green.
Chemical Composition
The chemical formula of onyx is SiO2, indicating that it is composed of silicon dioxide. This composition is typical of quartz, but onyx is distinguished by its unique crystal structure and colored bands. The different colors of onyx are due to mineral impurities present during its formation. For example, the presence of iron and carbon can give onyx its rich black hues, while manganese can contribute pink or red hues.
Training Process
The onyx formation process begins with the saturation of water with silica under specific geological conditions. When this silica-rich solution penetrates cavities in the host rock, it begins to crystallize, forming first quartz and then chalcedony in successive layers. Variations in the composition of the siliceous solution, as well as environmental conditions such as temperature and pressure, contribute to the formation of onyx's distinctive bands.
Main Deposits
The main onyx deposits are found in geologically active regions where conditions favor the formation of chalcedony. These regions include Brazil, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Uruguay, Armenia, and the United States, among others. Each deposit produces onyx with unique characteristics, depending on the local minerals and formation conditions.
What are the virtues of Onyx stone (physical and psychological)?
Onyx, this fascinating stone with its deep black color and mysterious bands, is much more than just an aesthetic jewel. Throughout the ages, it has been attributed numerous virtues, both physical and psychological, making it invaluable to those seeking to benefit from its healing and protective properties.
Physical Virtues of Onyx
Physically, onyx is known for its beneficial effects on overall body health. It is said to help strengthen the immune system, increasing resistance to infection and disease. This stone is also said to have a stabilizing effect on people with circulatory disorders, helping to improve blood circulation.
Additionally, onyx is often used to support bone and dental health, thanks to its ability to balance the body's energies and promote tissue regeneration. It can also provide support for hearing disorders by improving inner ear function.
Psychic and Emotional Virtues
Onyx is particularly good for mental and emotional healing. It is known to provide strength and support during times of physical and mental stress, helping to overcome challenges and fears. By acting as an emotional stabilizer, onyx helps maintain a calm and serene state of mind, promoting better management of negative emotions such as sadness and anxiety.
This stone is also known to improve focus and determination, making it a valuable ally for those seeking to achieve their goals with perseverance and discipline. Onyx stimulates a sense of responsibility and decision-making, helping to clarify thoughts and focus energy productively.
Protection and Anchoring
One of the most famous virtues of onyx is its ability to provide protection and grounding. By forming a shield against negative energies, it protects its wearer from harmful influences and psychic attacks. Onyx is also valued for its grounding properties, helping to root the individual in the present moment and strengthen their connection to physical reality.
