Unique semi-precious stone Onyx - varieties, photos of the mineral and with whom it is compatible according to the horoscope

Onyx is a unique semi-precious stone with many color variations. The gem is described in many manuscripts, myths and legends, where magical and healing properties are attributed to it. Exquisite decorations, dishes and handles for weapons were made from it, they decorated the chambers of nobles and the thrones of kings.

Today it is important to know its distinctive properties in order not to acquire a fake, but a real onyx stone.

Historical information about onyx

In historical primary sources, this variety of quartz or silicon dioxide was called differently, and its color combinations also differed:

• "Nails of Aphrodite", as the ancient Greeks called it for the visual similarity of oblong pebbles with colored influxes, is described with various variations, healing properties are attributed to it;
• light shades were traditionally called "chalcedon" and used for jewelry, and their value varied from the color and metal where the semi-precious stone was inserted;
• black stone was used in occult practices, considering it "the stone of magicians and sorcerers";
• red sardonyx was considered a "stone of power", it controlled the hidden potential of its owner and directed his energy into a creative channel.

Stone is mentioned in Biblical texts as one of the building materials of Solomon's temple and in the City of the Future. The third base of chalcedony, the fifth foundation of sardonyx are the color varieties of this mineral. Mesopotamia, where Paradise on earth was, is described as a place where there is "gold ... bdolakh (petrified resin, possibly amber) and onyx stone."

The Aztecs found a light green gem with brown veins, it was highly valued in their cults. Altars and inserts in the eyes of deities on the pyramids were made from such rare finds.

Many thousands of years ago, knives and chisels, spearheads were made from fragments of natural glass. Along with bone counterparts, they were found in the sites of ancient man in Italy and Greece.

Physical and chemical properties of the mineral

Onyx is a glassy ornamental mineral. Today, imitation of chalcedonic quartz, which it is from the point of view of geologists, is widely used as finishing panels and countertops in interior design.

Buildings and metro stations are decorated with tiles imitating this gem, along with granite, with which it competes in hardness and beauty. The most valuable pieces of natural gem with stripes and influxes are used for handicrafts (stone carving) and jewelry.

In terms of moisture resistance and resistance to temperature extremes, resistance to abrasion and mechanical stress, it surpasses marble, although it has an external resemblance.

Onyx has more shades - natural impurities give iridescent hues to this silicon dioxide, which is rarely a single color.It is often confused with other gems, including some examples of agate (lighter, matte) and carnelian, although these are also translucent silicas.

Chemical formula - SiO2 (natural volcanic glass with impurities). Accordingly, the mineral has a characteristic glassy luster, which distinguishes it from cheaper stones.

The hardness of onyx on the Mohs scale is within 6-7, the density is up to 2.65 - 2.667 g / cm³. Conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, translucent up to 3-4 cm, which indicates the high transparency of the gem.

For a long time it was believed that black onyx and agate are one and the same. In the twentieth century, it turned out that they have a different chemical formula, so agate has a more matte luster.

Onyx color variations and mining sites

Completely black onyx is a very rare stone, but the most valued by businessmen, esotericists and adherents of occult practices. Of the colored samples, the rarest variety is the red palette, these are carnelian and sardonyx, the deposits of which are almost completely exhausted.

The most common shades of glassy mineral

Most often there are translucent samples with stripes of such shades:

• gray
• light green;
• red-brown;
• white;
• pinkish;
• blue
• honey;
• amber tone.

This gem does not have a pure white and transparent layer or (a fragmentary influx without stripes). Most often, white onyx has a milky, greenish and pinkish tint, less often with blueness. The price includes motley-striped and absolutely black stones.

Gem deposits

The most famous gem mining sites are the Turkmen Kap-Kotan and Karlyuk deposits. In the Cap-Kotansky cave, whole stalactites and stalagmites made of onyx have been preserved.

In India and Uruguay there are places where the most beautiful specimens are mined. Onyx deposits in Arabia and Brazil are almost completely exhausted. Rich deposits have recently been discovered in America and Australia. Primorye, Kolyma and Chukotka are deposits in Russia, but due to the climatic conditions of the stone and low cost, they are not sufficiently developed.

There is black onyx in the shrine of the Kaaba, especially revered by Muslims. Deposits for the extraction of this variety are also located on the territory of the Arab East, where they profess Islam. Red sardonyx in traditional mining areas is almost completely developed.

As an industrial raw material, the glassy mineral is mined in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Iran and Egypt, Mexico and Turkey. The most common single-color mineral with characteristic bands of related shades. These are gray and green, beige and brown onyx.

Hue classification

Multicolor minerals often have several varieties with their own names, depending on its transparency and base color:

• sardonyx - the most beautiful stone of red-pink shades with transparent and milky veins;
• carnelian is somewhat reminiscent of sardonyx, but it has more brown-beige tones;
• a thick black variety is known as an “Arabic stone”, although sometimes transparent and blue stripes are found in its “cosmic” depth, such stones are used to make rosaries and rings;
• chalcedony - a gray variety, the most beautiful is the Crimean chalcedony, with muddy yellowish and greenish stains;
• brown-green - the most common classic variety, which is often used for large beads and crafts;
• "Pure" onyx resembles milk diluted with water, used as inserts in jewelry.

Occasionally come across pure yellow, gray-violet and blue specimens that are not very expensive, but are in demand among those who sell finished products.

Attention! For those who do not know what a real emerald or sapphire looks like, one-color onyx products (green or blue) can be sold.

Oriental jewelers can cut off a single-color part, insert it into earrings and a ring, and sell it as more expensive semi-precious inserts and cabochons.

How to distinguish a fake

Onyx is a hard stone with the properties of expensive stones, although it belongs to semi-precious or ornamental gems. High hardness leaves no chance of leaving damage on it.

Useful advice! If in doubt that you purchased beads from this stone, pass with a knife or any hard blade - there will be no scratches or other marks.

Fakes made of colored glass are often passed off as onyx, selling to unlucky tourists and visitors to oriental bazaars at the price of natural stone. A natural gem does not heat up well, so it often has a lower temperature than the environment.

Looking at how the mineral looks in the photo, it is easy to recognize the characteristic stripes and veins - natural stones do not have sharp boundaries between color segments. Contrasting transitions and multi-colored stripes without related shades are most likely a fake.

Note! Sometimes cheaper stones are impregnated with caustic dyes of green or red-brown tint to give brightness. Such beads and pendants burn out quickly, so sellers do not hang them on the shelves on the sunny side of the market.

In interior design, they do not hide the fact that imitation of glass, acrylic or onyx-like porcelain stoneware is used. This is a beautiful decor in the form of countertops and facing tiles.

The magical and healing properties of onyx

Often, some qualities of precious and semi-precious stones are greatly exaggerated, but this is what makes them in demand as amulets and talismans.

It is known that yellow onyx in the form of beads or inserts in earrings helps to maintain an optimistic mood for girls prone to depression.

Black onyx has long been considered a magical stone, the owners of a ring or bracelet on their right hand with this mineral have been financially successful, almost never going broke. In myths and legends, it is also mentioned that "a stone black as a pupil in a ring" warned the rulers against excessive pride and connections with unholy allies.

Today, black onyx is highly valued by magicians and psychics, healers and esotericists, as it enhances the energy potential. It suits strong-willed and purposeful individuals, however, for those who are ready to go literally “over their heads” for their goal, he ceases to promote and protect from disasters. Gamblers gives prudence.

Important! Doctors say that colored pyramids, balls and egg-shaped massagers are often used by patients with health problems. These figures are applied to the diseased organ, and relief is felt. But fake won't help.

Green stones are traditionally worn in jewelry by those people who strive for well-being. Onyx helps to achieve harmony in family relationships and get rid of debt problems.

As a healing amulet, according to healers, the mineral helps those suffering from stuttering, absent-mindedness, oncological diseases at the initial stage, migraines and weak potency. Onyx beads for elderly ladies are able to prolong calm old age, “calming” the symptoms of chronic diseases.

Onyx stone: who suits according to the horoscope

One of the advantages of colored onyx is that it suits almost all representatives of the zodiac cycle, only the color varies.

The red variety or sardonyx is the best stone for bright emotional personalities, directing their irrepressible ardor in the right direction. This is the talisman of Aries, signs of the fire element, it is better if it is a ball or a carved figurine of an eagle. Black stone Aries (any) is contraindicated. It is recommended for Capricorns, especially in the form of an amulet with a figurine of a black cat, as well as for Taurus, Libra and Virgo (precisely black).

Gemini should refrain from this gem, but most of all it is worth avoiding on the eve of the wedding, otherwise it threatens to break off relations. Superstitious Chinese and Indians warn about this.

To the rest of the signs of the zodiac, this mineral is completely neutral, it is worn in combination with other stones - both in the form of jewelry and for the purpose of healing. Therefore, you can safely give a souvenir or chess, an amulet or jewelry with this stone, even to a person whose zodiac sign is not known.

Rules for the purchase and care of onyx products

Natural vitreous stone is quite durable, strong, does not lose its properties during storage in any environment. It is enough to wash it from dirt with soapy water and hold it a little under running water - it will restore its strength and without losing its beauty and brilliance.

Experts say that it is better to buy products from this stone on the 5th day of the lunar cycle, and start wearing jewelry from it on the 19th. For sardonyx, the same recommendations are 24-1 and the 10th day. Carnelian is bought on the third day, worn from the 17th day.

Those who are not interested in the magical properties of stones and amulets can buy colored varieties in the form of small inserts in jewelry, put on for any occasion and wear it for pleasure on any day.

Photo of Onyx stone