Onyx describes a couple of different materials; true onyx (a layered chalcedony usually in two colors – black and white); it can describe a single colored chalcedony (eg. black onyx).  Onyx marble describes a limestone formed by aragonite or calcite. Carnelian onyx has red and white layers.

True onyx is sometimes known as Arabic onyx.  It is the material we will be discussing here.

The word onyx is Greek in origin; meaning fingernail, an allusion to is semi transparency.  The demand for quality onyx to use in cameos, beads and other lapidary work is higher than the supply.  For that reason uncolored chalcedony is often dyed to achieve the desired effect.

Lore

“Onyx seals were very popular with the ancient Romans, who liked to use stones with different colored layers.  Onyx was also used in inlay work, cameos, small sculptures, and beads.  Originally, all cameos may have been amulets, for the word cameo appears to come from either the Arabic chemeia (a charm) or the Talmudic Hebrew khemeia (an amulet).” ¹

In Roman times it was thought that onyx carved into a cameo of Mars, the God of war, could enhance a soldier’s courage.

“In ancient Persia and India, onyx worn about the neck was considered a preventive against the Evil Eye, witches, and black magic.  It was also believed that the stone could make one invisible, and thus impervious to that ever-to-be-feared Evil Eye.” ²

 “In ancient times only was believed to have a demon imprisoned within that would awaken at night, sowing discord, especially between lovers.  Nowadays, strength giving onyx is a protective stone for dark nights and lonely places.  Taking you forward to view the future, it facilitates being master of your destiny.” ³

 “Onyx is a stone of inner strength.  It enhances one’s endurance and persistence, enabling one to carry even difficult and dreary tasks through to completion.  On a mental level, it increases one’s ability to maintain focus, allowing one to learn challenging new material and use well all that one has mastered.” ⁴

 “The onyx, if worn on the neck, was said to cool the ardors of love, and Cardano relates that everywhere in India the stone was worn for this purpose.  This belief is closely related to the idea commonly associated with the onyx, - namely, that it provoked discord and separated lovers.  The close union and yet strange contrast between the layers of black and white may have suggested this.” ⁵

 “It can be used to banish grief, to enhance self-control, to stimulate the power of wise decision-making, and to encourage happiness and good fortune.  It helps one to absorb, from the universe, those energies which are needed.” ⁶

 Onyx has been said to “. . . sharpen [the] sense of hearing, helps with diseases of the inner ear; improves functions of the nerves.” ⁷

 1)    D. J. Conway “Crystal Enchantments- A Complete Guide to Stones and Their Magical Properties” pg. 150

2)      2)  Diane Morgan “Gemlore- Ancient Secrets and Modern Myths from the Stone Age to the Rock Age” pg. 127

3)      3)  Judy Hall “The Encyclopedia of Crystals” pg. 219

4)      4)  Naisha Ahsian “The Book of Stones: Who They Are & What They Are & What They Teach” pg. 288

5)      5)  George Frederick Kunz “The Curious Lore of Precious stones” pg. 98

6)      6)  Melody “Love is in the Earth- A Kaleidoscope of Crystals” pg.  294

7)      7)  Michael Gienger “Healing Crystals- The A - Z Guide to 430 Gemstones” pg. 63

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