The Gemstone Onyx
Onyx is a gemstone whose description can have several connotations. Its most accepted gemstone definition describes a solid black Chalcedony, or a banded or layered black and white Chalcedony. The term Onyx is occasionally used to described any engraved stone with a solid color base, or it may describe any banded gemstone with parallel banding. In its solid black form, Onyx is the most traditional black gemstone.
Color
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White, Black, Banded
Mineral Class
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Quartz (
Chalcedony)
All About
Onyx is an ancient gemstone, having been used in jewelry and as an ornamental gemstone for carvings since antiquity. Onyx has traditionally been one of the most important engraving and
cameo gemstones, where its most common form was a black base with a white upper layer. Although still used a minor gemstone today, the significance and value of Onyx has been diminished as compared to ancient times.
When Onyx is
banded black and white, it can be jointly classified as both
Agate and Onyx. However, many require Onyx to have banding in roughly parallel lines, whereas other forms of Agate can have wavy or concentric forms of banding.
Uses
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Onyx is usually cut into
cabochons and beads, where it is mostly used in bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings. It is also an important
cameo and
intaglio stone, and carvings and small statues have also been cut from it.
False Names
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Limestone Onyx, Mexican Onyx, or Onyx Marble -
Travertine or
Tufa that exhibits color
banding from layer deposition. This
material can be polished and dyed and used as an ornamental stone.
Green Onyx - Often refers to
Chalcedony dyed a deep green color; may also refer
to
Agate banded light green and white. Sometimes also incorrectly
used to describe green Onyx Marble (above).
Onyx Opal - Banded, dark colored
Opal.
Rhodochrosite Onyx - Banded variety of
Rhodochrosite (
Rosinca).
Treatments & Enhancements
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Black Onyx is often dyed. The banded white and black form is usually natural and not dyed.
Onyx Sources
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Sources of Onyx include India, Brazil, and Uruguay.
Similar Gemstones
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Black Onyx can be similar to
Black Diamond, though it is much softer and less lustrous. It is much harder than
Jet. Black Onyx lacks the
metallic luster of
Hematite, but it can be very difficult to distinguish from
Melanite Garnet and
Schorl Tourmaline.