Stone history:

The name onyx was derived by the Romans for representing the variety of stones including alabaster, chalcedony, and what is now known as onyx marble. Roman soldiers wore Onyx talismans carved with heroes such as Hercules or Mars, God of War. They believed that the stone would make the wearer as courageous and daring as the figured engraved on it. During the new start, Onyx was believed to bring eloquence upon the wearer and was regarded a great value by public speakers and orators.

Description:

Onyx is with stripes, semiprecious variety of the silica mineral agate with red or brown, black and white, alternating bands. Its properties are the identical as those of quartz.

Color:

The layers in these stones vary from lucid to opaque for onyx. The stones vary in color, too. They may be white or gray, ranging too many colorful varieties. Onyx gemstones usually contain flat-banded, white and brownish-red bands. Onyx is a gemstone with alternating light and dark bands, which are colored in brown, red, black, white and grey.

Varieties:

Onyx varieties comprise of carnelian onyx, with red and white bands, and sardonyx, with brown and white bands.

Onyx as birthstone:

Onyx is considered to be birthstone for the zodiac sign Leo (Lion) during the month July 23- Aug 22. It’s an anniversary gemstone for the 7th year of marriage. Black Onyx is the anniversary gemstone for the 10th year of marriage.

Therapeutic ability:

Onyx is used for heart, kidney, nerve, capillary, and hair, eye and nail strengthener. Onyx is said to help for sleep. This gemstone helps to eradicate stress, apathy, and neurological disorders.

Books on Onyx:

The Onyx Engraving