Onyx is a mineral, like marble, granite or quartzite. It is part of the quartz mineral group and is a layered stone. Some of its layers may contrast. Onyx is a variety of chalcedony, which consists of quartz and moganite, and it is mainly found in India, Madagascar and Brazil. In the U.S., it can be found in California.
Onyx Quality and Buying Tips
Onyx comes mainly in three colors (or color combinations): black, black and white, and grey and white. There are also other varieties, such as green or red onyx, but black is the most popular color of this stone. It is worth noting that most onyx on the market has been artificially colored or heat treated to improve its appearance.
Beware of Onyx Imitations
Since agate is similar in terms of physical properties, a lot of stones sold as onyx are in fact dyed agate gems.
There are also a lot of black stones made of a softer material that are sold as onyx, so this is something to watch out for when shopping.
Treated Onyx
Onyx gemstone
Most onyx is dyed to make its color uniform. It is also heat treated to bring out its color intensity. These two enhancements do not lower its value.
All onyx jewelry is relatively inexpensive. The metal it is set in will cost more than the actual onyx stone itself.
Settings for Onyx
When it comes to onyx jewelry, the price is often more dependent on the design of the piece and not on the gemstone itself, which is relatively inexpensive.
Of course, larger pieces of onyx cost more, but the value still depends mainly on the setting and design.
Black onyx can be set in silver, white gold and yellow gold. Each metal accentuates this mineral stone beautifully.
Sardonyx, which is brown and white layered onyx, looks prettiest in antiqued silver. Carnelian onyx is usually set in more rustic-looking silver and is unusually striking against black or tan fabric.
Complete sets of a ring, earrings, a bracelet and pendant accentuate any color of onyx beautifully.
Shopping Tip: Check the Gemstone’s Surface
The best onyx gemstones should have a well-polished and reflective surface and should appear slightly transparent. The gemstone should not have any cracks or scratches on its surface, and the setting around the onyx should be clean and well-made.
There are jewelry stores that will use various lighting to make their gemstones look better. If a store is too dark, for example, it may be difficult to see scratches, low quality settings or other flaws when looking at onyx jewelry. Ask to see the jewelry under different kinds of light and also in well-lit conditions.
Cleaning and Caring for Onyx Gemstones
When cleaning and taking care of this stone, you should keep in mind that onyx is relatively soft (6.5-7 on the Mohs scale of hardness), porous and easy to damage.
It is worth noting that a lot of the stones sold as onyx today are actually dyed agate. Nevertheless, even if this is the case with your gemstone, it should be cleaned using the same methods applicable to real onyx.
Black onyx
Cleaning Onyx
Cleaning onyx jewelry is pretty straightforward: Just use a soft, dry cloth or a soft brush to wipe any dirt off your gemstones.
You can also use a little water to moisten the cloth and make the cleaning easier.
Don’t wet the stone or soak it in water, however, as onyx is porous and absorbs liquids easily.
After the cleaning, dry the stone with a soft cloth.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Onyx
Since onyx is very absorbent, you should not use any cleaning chemicals on it as they may seep into the stone and cause it to change its color.
Although ammonia is commonly used to clean jewelry, you should not use it on onyx. Even using soap or mild dishwashing liquid is not recommended.
Do not put onyx in ultrasonic cleaners as the cleaning liquid and ultrasound vibrations can be harmful to the stone.
Cleaning the Settings of Your Onyx Jewelry
To clean the setting that holds your onyx stone, you should use a method that is appropriate for the metal your ring or other jewelry is made of.
However, since onyx is such a vulnerable gemstone, it unavoidably limits you in how you can clean the other parts of your jewelry. As already mentioned, be careful not to use any harsh chemicals that could harm the stone.
If your onyx ring is made of silver, for instance, it is not recommended to drop it in a solution of water and baking soda to remove tarnish, as you could do if the piece was made from silver only.
If you are using water and soap to clean your gold onyx jewelry, for example, be careful not to wet the gemstone; also, don’t allow any soap to come into contact with your onyx.
In general, the safest way to clean the metal parts of your onyx jewelry is to use a soft cloth and a little water. Use a soft brush to clean the hard-to-reach areas of your setting.
If you are polishing your jewelry using a polishing cloth, do not use it to also polish the onyx gemstones set in the piece.
Care When Wearing Your Onyx Jewelry
Since onyx is a stone that can scratch, chip or crack easily, make sure you avoid hitting or bumping your onyx ring or other jewelry when wearing it.
Always put on your onyx jewelry after you’ve already applied any makeup or other chemicals such as hair spray or perfume, which can be potentially harmful to your gemstone.
Take your onyx rings off when doing any housework: Water and other substances used in cooking and cleaning can damage your stone.
Do not wear your onyx jewelry when taking a bath or when swimming.
Storing Onyx Gemstones
Make sure your onyx jewelry is stored in a way that protects it from damage. Wrap your onyx pieces in a soft cotton or velvet cloth to keep the stones from being scratched by other harder gemstones or metals.
You can use individual jewelry pouches such as these for each item. For further protection and convenience, you can store your jewelry in a jewelry box with separate compartments.
Locations Where Onyx Can Be Found
Onyx is only found in three places: Mexico, Arizona and Algeria. In Mexico, onyx is mined in Chihuahua, Puebla and Oaxaca.
Arizona onyx mines are in Prescott, Mayer and Ash Fork. Algeria has one onyx mine, and it is located in Ain Tekbalet.
Onyx Legends & Symbolism
The word ‘onyx’ is a Greek word that means a claw nail or a human fingernail. The legend is that while Venus slept, Cupid clipped her fingernails and left the cuttings scattered on the ground around her.
Since Venus was a goddess, she would never succumb to death because none of her body could die. So the gods turned the nail clippings into the stone which later became known as onyx.
Onyx is considered the mystical birthstone of December. It is also the stone for the Leo Zodiac sign.
Onyx is supposed to be given on the seventh and tenth wedding anniversaries.
Mystics and holistic healers believe that Onyx increases regeneration, intuition, instincts and happiness. It is supposed to increase sexual desire and aid in changing bad habits.
More Mystical Uses of Onyx
In the Middle East, Onyx is used as a worry stone that people rub between fingers. It is thought to help overcome the roller coaster of conflicting emotions.
Some people believe Onyx helps a person recover from a past relationship or an unrequited love.
It is also supposed to help you to take charge of your fate, guard against negativity; it aids in disagreements and removes excess energy.
Onyx is associated with the planet Saturn.
Black onyx is supposed to increase stamina, help in childbirth, control temper, and strengthen the heart, capillaries, nails, eyes, hair, skin, nerves and kidneys.
In India, Hindus use onyx to ward off the “evil eye.” Some believe that wearing onyx sharpens the wits and absorbs and blunts emotional intensity.
It is used by people who claim to have psychic powers and is able to protect the user from harmful spells.
Some people in drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers carry around onyx stones for strength and self-control.
