Onyx

Onyx is an opaque to slightly translucent, two-tone black and white layered, fibrous variety of chalcedony, which in turn is a variety of the mineral quartz. Agate is a similar but much colored variety.

Onyx marble (even onyx marble or marble onyx ), however, is a yellow, brown or green limestone sinter - rock, which is often misleading occupied with the short name Onyx.

Genuine Onyx is used exclusively in precious stones.

Etymology

Into German the name Onyx was borrowed from the Middle Ages through the Latin from the Greek, where ὄνυξ (Gen. ὄνυχος ) means " fingernail " or " claw". Related to the Greek word are in Latin unguis, in Old High German Nagal, Naga in Lithuanian and in Sanskrit नख ( Nakha ). All of these Indo-European languages ​​in common is the meaning claw, claw, hoof and nail.

Varieties

When Onyx switch black and white, slightly translucent layers together. Pure black chalcedony are, however, also known as Onyx.

Another two colored banded varieties are the Sardonyx (also Sard - onyx ) with brown - white and carnelian (also sardine ) with red and white banding. Since the brown of the Sardonyxes often plays into black, a distinction between Onyx and Sardonyx is often very difficult.

Locations

Locations for Onyx and Sardonyx include Yemen, Brazil, Madagascar, Mexico, Pakistan, Uruguay and the United States.

Use as a gemstone

His jet-black color makes it a popular jewelry onyx stone, especially stone location, - especially mourning occasions. He is also often used for carving cameos. In addition Onyx is often used to manufacture cufflinks, especially for " Black Tie " events ( Tuxedo, cutaway ), are used.

Manipulation and imitation

Due to the high demand that can not be covered by the natural occurrence, is a large part of the Onyx commercially available ' fake. Either the porous agate is dyed or there are gray layers of chalcedony immersed in an acid bath. Sometimes the shiny black obsidian is polished. Result is then a satin, deep black color. To distinguish real from fake is the Onyx extremely difficult and only possible through a mineralogical investigation basically. If a stone but crossed by white color so you can start from a genuine copy.

Esoteric

Mystics speak the onyx to have a positive effect on skin, hair and nails and assign it to the zodiac sign Capricorn and the planet Saturn. As a healing stone, he should be able to alleviate or cure nausea, changes in the weather and bowel problems. In addition to its healing power should be on the body is able to penetrate the skin and promote their natural function.

On a spiritual level Onyx is intended to increase the assertiveness and self-confidence and promote a so-called "Stone of egoists " the capacity for self -realization and analytical thinking, prevent excessive sympathy and therefore gentle on the nerves get the joy of life. People that can affect too easily, he should give stamina and self- discipline to pursue their own goals incessantly and achieve.

Scientific evidence for the alleged physical and mental effects do not exist, however.