Onyx, the Stone for the Mind

Onyx

It is virtually impossible to like gemstones and not to love onyx in its glossy, lustrous glory. This black gemstone is mysterious and enchanting at the same time, beckoning us, mortals, with its divine beauty. 

Onyx is known as the “Stone for the mind” because it symbolizes mental strength, mindfulness, and self-control. It has been used in jewelry since ancient times and continues to enjoy considerable popularity thanks to its timeless appeal. 

Jewelry featuring onyx brings out the best in this smooth, glistening stone and makes a bold style statement in a subtle way. The elegant and sophisticated gemstone looks particularly striking in silver or gold pieces, blending seamlessly with all outfits and styles. If you are looking for sleek and elegant jewelry, onyx is the right choice to add to your jewelry collection. 

From minimalistic designs to statement pieces, Wild Woman is the place to find onyx jewelry for every taste and occasion. Explore our collection and discover the unique pieces of designer jewelry that not only look good but are empowering, inspiring and meaningful. 

What is Onyx?

Onyx is essentially a fine-grained, microcrystalline quartz. It is a variety of Chalcedony or chalcedonic quartz, a silicate mineral made up of calcite and formed in caves as stalactites and stalagmites. There are actually two banded varieties of chalcedony, the agates and onyxes with agates having curved color banding while onyxes are recognised for their parallel bands of white, black or dark brown. 

The gemstone is typically completely opaque or translucent. Its shimmering surface and durability make it possible to cut it into pretty much any standard shape including round, oval, square and pear cuts. 

Although most people associate Onyx with the black color, a solid black onyx is very rarely found in nature. The stone is mostly either brownish or grayish in its natural state and the deep, consistent, jet black color is usually achieved by dyeing it. Dyeing treatments are used to create other colors, too, like dyeing clear chalcedony to create green onyx for instance. 

Varieties of Onyx

Onyx occurs in a variety of banded colors. 

Sardonyx, also known as Sardian Onyx, combines the alternating white, reddish, brownish or yellow layers of sard and onyx. For most of its history, it has been a popular carving material for cameos and intaglios. 

Cornelian Onyx is a charming striped variety of onyx with its deep red to orange-red base and white or light red bands.  

Niccolo Onyx typically has a black base color with a very thin layer of white.  

Black Onyx refers to a solid, black-colored Onyx that doesn’t have any bands or layers. It is very rarely found in nature and is commonly confused with gray onyx that has been dyed black. 

Arabic Onyx with its black base and upper white layer is the most common naturally occurring type of onyx. This black and white banded variety is also known as “true” onyx. 

The History of Onyx

Onyx has a rich history filled with mythology and superstitions, with both positive and negative myths surrounding this gemstone.

The name of this gemstone comes from the Greek word “onux” which means fingernail or claw. There is an old legend, according to which this stone was formed from the fingernail clippings of Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty. While she was sleeping by the river, her son Eros used one of his arrows to give her a manicure. The cut off tips of her immortal fingernails fell into the Indus river and transformed into Onyx. 

Onyx’s name carries the mythological legend but is also related to its appearance. The cream-colored base of many onyx stones may be said to resemble the white of the human finger nail. 

The history of onyx dates back to Ancient Egypt where it was used to make pottery. In Ancient Rome and Greek the gemstone was used as a decorative carving material. 

In the Middle Ages Onyx was attributed contradictory properties: the Chinese feared the stone because it was deemed to bring bad luck whereas Indians believed in its protective powers. The Arabic term el jaza for black onyx means “sadness”. 

In Victorian England onyx was associated with grief. The mourning attire of Queen Victoria included statement pieces with onyx after her husband Prince Albert died in 1861. 

Nowadays, Onyx is found in many places around the world with Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, India, Germany, the United States of America and the United Kingdom having the most notable deposits. 

Onyx Properties and Benefits

Wearing Onyx is said to be like having your own personal bodyguard to protect you. This gemstone is supposed to shield you from negative energies and aid you in any type of confrontation. In ancient times, the gemstone was allegedly worn in protective amulets during battles for an extra dose of strength and courage. 

Being the stone of decisiveness and strength, Onyx is a powerful companion to ambitious people. It can provide you with the wisdom and clarity to make sound decisions and will guide you in achieving your goals. It can assist in seeing the big picture that is also valuable in the decision-making process. 

The healing properties of this black gemstone also include healing your emotional wounds and helping to move on from feelings of grief and sorrow. It can ease loneliness, enhance feelings of love and is believed to draw in happiness and good fortune. You will feel your soul soothed and your spirits lifted when you are wearing the Onyx stone. 

Onyx is a strong antidote to fear and doubt. It helps to see past fears and has a grounding influence that calms the mind and creates a feeling of security. Insecurities and anxieties have no real power as long as the mind is in command. 

Black onyx carries the vibes of love, affection and friendship, encouraging healthy relationships and ensuring openness and honesty. The positive energies of the gemstone will protect and strengthen your relationships not only with others but with yourself as well.  

Zodiac Connection

Shrouded in mystery and encompassing various powers, black Onyx is the zodiac stone for Leos. The gemstone helps to provide self-assurance and offers wise decision-making at those times when the confidence and tenacity of Leos is overshadowed by self-doubt and overthinking. It can also be a source of stamina during stressful times for this zodiac sign that will never admit vulnerability.  

Onyx Jewelry

Onyx jewelry adds a powerful accent to any outfit. Since black gemstones are not a common choice, they are famously eye-catching and even a small piece is enough to make a strong style statement. 

The gemstone is often faceted to produce a flat surface that shows remarkable sheen and intensifies its natural beauty. Faceted Onyx reflects light off the surface of the facets, providing additional sparkle.

A pendant, a bracelet, a pair of earrings or an onyx ring is an excellent choice for everyday wear. With a variety of styles to choose from, you can be as bold or as subtle as you wish. 

Onyx statement pieces are a perfect choice for anyone who wants to stand out in the crowd with their jewelry.

How to Care for Onyx Jewelry

Onyx with its Mohs hardness of 6.5 – 7 is a durable jewelry stone and can resist scratching, chips and even physical blows to a certain extent.  

It should be kept in mind that most onyxes have received dye treatments and should therefore be cleaned only with a soft, moist cloth. Soap is not recommended but if it is used, it should be properly rinsed off and the stone should be thoroughly dried after washing. 

Contact with any household chemicals such as bleach, detergents and cosmetics should be avoided as absorbing these is likely to dull the beautiful ebony color of Onyx.

When stored, Onyx jewelry should be wrapped in a cotton or velvet cloth, to protect it from dust and from being scratched by other items.

 

This gemstone has no similar stones! It must be really unique