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Spiritual & Health Benefits
Echoing the stillness of the night sky, onyx symbolises initiation and change in Peruvian and Native American traditions because it inspires feelings of personal power that come from facing your fears.
Onyx is known as the “stone of protection”, absorbing and transforming negative energies and thoughts. It can help eliminate apathy, stress, and negative thinking by boosting emotional and physical strength and stamina, especially in times of stress, confusion, or grief.
According to ancient lore, Ancient Greeks put it in amulets to protect sailors from drowning; a thirteenth-century writer claimed it bestowed health, success in lawsuits, and safe travels. In the 1700s it was thought to keep ghosts at bay.
Onyx is thought to treat disorders of the bones, bone marrow and blood and be beneficial for teeth and the feet.
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Physical Characteristics
Onyx is actually dyed black chalcedony. Chalcedony is the name given to microcrystalline quartzes :- quartzes that are composed of tiny crystals that cannot be seen with an unaided eye. Natural black chalcedony is rare, so virtually all black chalcedony or onyx is treated.
Having no standard shape, Onyx is usually cut into cabochons and beads, where it is mostly used in bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings. It is very popular in signet rings and cameos. Carvings and small statues have also been cut from it.
Chalcedony can form in straight parallel layers of different colours, (agate and onyx or sardonyx). This is perfect for carving cameos. The most common banded form used has a black onyx base with a white agate upper layer.
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Onyx Care
Onyx has good toughness, but can be chipped or scratched if struck so remove before engaging in sports etc. You should also remove your onyx jewellery before using household cleaning solutions that may contain harsh chemicals.
Onyx can be scratched by harder gems such as sapphire and spinel so always store your gemstone jewellery separately.
Being relatively durable onyx is easy to care for. Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth to clean your onyx jewellery. Be sure to rinse well to remove all soapy residue.
Onyx
Onyx is a zodiac stone for Leo and one of the birthstones for July. It is also one of the gems for the 7th wedding anniversary.
Onyx has been used in jewellery as far back as Mesopotamia, one of the cradles of civilization.
