ONYX

ARCHANGELS:

Haniel, Raguel and Raziel

COLOURS:

Black, blue, green and yellow

THE ORIGINS:

History and Mythology

Origins and meaning of the name

The name "Onyx" comes from the Latin onyx, meaning "nail" or "claw," and refers both to the appearance of the stone - which sometimes has a cream-coloured part similar to the white of the nail - and to a legend from Greek mythology. According to the myth, onyx was born from the nails of the goddess Venus, cut by Cupid and turned into stone.

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Onyx: a natural treasure between myth and reality

♥ A journey through the beauty, history and significance of one of the world's most fascinating stones.

Spiritually speaking, onyx is known to absorb negative energies, becoming darker with time. Like all black stones, it is related to stability and balance. It is also called the "stone for the mind," as it represents inner strength, self-control and awareness.

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History and significance

Over the centuries, onyx has been the focus of many legends and beliefs. In ancient Rome it was used by warriors as an amulet of protection. In India it is considered a useful stone for emotional balance and meditation. During the Victorian era, it was often used in mourning jewellery, symbolizing not only grief but also the strength to cope with it.

Summing up:

• Greece: onyx born from the nails of Aphrodite

• Rome: protective stone for warriors

• India: mental balance and spiritual well-being

• Medieval China: associated with bad luck and nightmares

• Victorian era: symbol of mourning and inner strength

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Formation and Origin

Geological origin

• Forms in rock veins and volcanic cavities

• Slow process of crystallization of silica and minerals

• Microcrystalline: fine grain, ideal for sculptures and jewellery

Onyx is mined in many parts of the world, including Brazil, India, the United States, Australia, Madagascar, Uruguay and Russia. It is a variety of fine-grained microcrystalline quartz that forms in rock cavities through cooling or evaporation of mineral solutions. It can also develop within lava, when silica is deposited in voids created by gases.

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Main sources

Origin and variety in the world

Onyx deposits are scattered all over the world, with characteristics unique to each region:

• Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay: famous for varieties with intense colours and sharp layering.

• India: renowned for green onyx.

• Madagascar: known for reddish and brown varieties.

• USA, Australia, Russia: other major producers. Stone generally forms within volcanic rocks or cavities, where the minerals slowly crystallize.

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Type

Varieties of Onyx

• Black Onyx: the most widespread, protective and spiritually powerful

• White Onyx: relaxing, purifying, useful for meditation

• Sardonyx: reddish/brown variety, associated with summer and passion

• Niccolo Onyx: striated, mysteriously appealing

• Carnelian Onyx: warm hues, stimulates energy and vitality

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Chakra:

1st MULADHARA - the root

Black onyx is related to the root chakra, located at the base of the spine. This chakra represents our stability, roots and sense of inner security.

When the root chakra is blocked, we may feel lost, anxious or directionless. Onyx helps to reactivate and rebalance this energy, promoting grounding, clarity and determination. It is a useful stone for finding your centre and rediscovering the way forward.

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PROPERTIES, CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS:

Mineralogical Characteristics

Onyx is a silica mineral belonging to the quartz family, specifically the microcrystalline quartz group, along with stones such as carnelian, jasper and heliotrope. It is considered a variety of chalcedony, characterized by parallel bands of colour, usually black, white or brown. When these bands are flat and contrasting, it is called true onyx, distinguishing it from agate, which has curved bands instead.

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Composition and technical data

• Chemical formula: silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

• Hardness (Mohs scale): 6.5 - 7

• Crystal Structure: Trigonal

• Luster: Waxy or glassy

• Transparency: Translucent to opaque

• Density: 2.65 to 2.91

• Colour: Predominantly black, but also white, brown, red, green, blue-greyish

• Refractive index: 1.54 to 1.66

• Neckline: None

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Gemological properties of Onyx

Onyx is evaluated through the classic 4 Cs of gemstones: cut, colour, clarity and carat.

Cut:
Onyx is often worked as cabochons or in the form of cameos and carvings, taking advantage of its natural bands. It is also suitable for standard faceted cuts such as round, drop or square.

Colour:
Black onyx is the most iconic, but many black stones on the market are treated with dyes. There are natural varieties such as:

Sardonyx (reddish-brown)

Carnelian onyx (red)

Niccolo Onyx (black with blue-grey bands)

Arabian onyx (black with white layer)

Clarity:
Being opaque or translucent, onyx is not rated for purity like transparent stones, but it is often visually clean, free of obvious imperfections.

Carat weight:
It is found in many sizes, from small cabochons to large masses over 20 carats. Onyx usually weighs more than obsidian, with which it can be confused.

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In crystal therapy, onyx is said to:

Stimulate the immune system

Strengthen your bones and teeth

Help your hearing and eyesight

Reduce stress, tension and anxiety

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Relationships and connections:

An ally in love and relationships

Onyx helps in:

Balancing difficult relationships

Overcoming painful break-ups and closures

Strengthening loyalty and communication

Protecting from negative external energies

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Onyx in everyday life

This stone is perfect for:

Facing personal and professional challenges

Regaining concentration and mental clarity

Overcoming fears and insecurities

Letting go of toxic relationships or habits

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Curiosities and Zodiac Signs

• In ancient Rome and Greece it was used to create cameos and carvings.

• It is the seventh wedding anniversary stone.

• It is one of the modern birthstones for February and August.

• Associated with the zodiac sign of Leo and Aquarius.

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CLEANING AND RECHARGING:

Care and maintenance

Purify it regularly with running water or incense

Avoid using too many at once: it can slow down energy flow