Is your partner one in a million and worthy ofevery “just because” gift? Celebrate your one-of-a-kind love with a beautiful,dark onyx stone. It’s the perfect fashion statement, especially if your specialsomeone likes to turn heads. Want to learn more about this captivating stone?We’re here to tell you more!
Whatis Onyx?
Onyx may look different than other gemstones,but it actually has some similarities to amethyst and citrine. You’ll often see onyx referred to asa form of “chalcedony,” but that’s basically another way of saying tiny quartzcrystals! Therefore, all three gems belong to the quartz family.
In their natural form, onyx stones featureparallel layers of colors. Arabic onyx, one of the most common types of onyx,has a black base and a white layer on top. Another variety, sardonyx, is knownfor a combination of red and white or brown and yellow hues. These parallellayers allow gem cutters to carve unique designs in the top, lighter layer anduse the darker color as the background. You’ll also see solid black onyx, butthese gems are usually dyed to enhance their color.
Seeking one of those solid black stones? It’sactually fairly difficult to identify gemstones of this shade. So, you’re morelikely to come across some kind of onyx alternative, like black spinel or blackcubic zirconia.
If you’re looking for authentic onyx, here’sone way to tell the difference. While onyx does shine, it’s not as bright ascubic zirconia. For reference, cubic zirconia ranges between 2.15 and 2.18 onthe brilliance refractive index, while onyx only scores between 1.544 and1.553. If you’re still unsure about the stone you’re eyeing, ask your jewelerfor a grading report.
Onyxvs. Black Diamonds
How does onyx compare with black diamonds?First, you should know that these diamonds weren’t even used in jewelry untilthe late 20th century. Onyx, on the other hand, has been used for centuries.
Much like regular, white diamonds, the blackversions are made of carbon vs. quartz (onyx’s mineral). That means blackdiamonds are more durable than onyx. In fact, all diamonds score a perfect 10on the Mohs Hardness Scale — a scale that ranks thedurability of diamonds, gemstones and other minerals — while onyx only scores a7. Diamonds also create more sparkle, receiving a rating of 2.42 on thebrilliance refractive index.
However, onyx and black diamonds are similarin their stunning, black color — and both stones often receive treatments toenhance it. Black onyx, for example, is created by soaking gray pieces ofchalcedony (aka those tiny quartz crystals) in a sugar solution and heatingthem in sulfuric acid. As a result, small carbon particles sometimes remain inchalcedony’s pores and give off a black tone.
Historyof Onyx
Records indicate that chalcedony/onyx jewelrywas worn in Mesopotamia, the world’s first civilization! Throughout history,onyx has represented different qualities. For example, the stone was reportedlygiven to ancient Greek sailors to protect them from drowning. And by the 1700s,gem lovers believed onyx had the power to prevent phantoms and evil visions.
But due to its dark color, onyx became apopular stone in mourning jewelry during the late 1800s. It was also thought tozap energy, calm lovers’ passion and bring bad luck.
Thankfully, those bad vibes are in the past!The gem is also associated with removing negative thinking and improving one’swit, instinct and habits. Today, onyx can be found in various countries acrossthe globe, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, India and the U.S.
OnyxFun Facts
Onyx is the official stone forcelebrating a seventh wedding anniversary!
Onyx might not be as strong asdiamonds, but it’s still durable enough for daily wear. In fact, it’s able towithstand bumps, chips and scratches from household dust – a common hazard thatoften goes unnoticed.
Take extra care when cleaning yourblack onyx. When a piece is dyed, the black color only seeps a few millimetersinto the stone. That means polishing the gem could remove some of its color.Jewelry experts therefore recommend using a soft brush, warm water and mildsoap for cleaning.
Mexican onyx (aka limestone onyxor onyx marble) isn’t truly onyx! It’s instead a form of calcite, which is acompletely different mineral that’s discovered in limestone caves.
Italian gem engraver BenedettoPistrucci’s creation, “Venus Marina, Cupidat Her Side,” isone example of onyx work on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Thewhite layer features intricate carvings of Venus and Cupid against the blackonyx layer. The entire piece is surrounded by a decorative gold frame.
In his book, “The CuriousLore of Precious Stones,” mineralogist George Frederick Kunz mentioned how theBahá’i tribes of Myanmar had stone statues in their homes. These statues werecreated to resemble spirits, and some were crafted from onyx!
Onyx isn’t only used forjewelry. At the Catherine Palace in Russia, the famous Amber Room includes mosaics of marble andonyx. The room was reportedly designed in the early 18thcentury as a showpiece for Prussian king Frederick I.
The Pokémon character Onix, whichis shaped as a chain of gray rocks, apparently gets its name from onyx and“oni,” a term that refers to a magical beast in Japanese folklore.
Sardonyx, the red-white orbrown-yellow variety of onyx, was August’s original birthstone before peridotbecame the popular choice!
This dark, alluring gem issometimes called “Black Magic.”
ShopOur Favorite Onyx Jewelry
Calia Black Onyx Straight Engagement Ring
Lucia Black Onyx Solitaire Engagement Ring
Claire Black Onyx Split Shank Engagement Ring
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