Onyx
About Onyx
Onyx is a banded variety of chalcedony known for its strength, protection, and grounding properties. Called the 'Stone of Inner Strength,' Onyx provides support during difficult times, absorbs negative energy, and promotes vigor, steadfastness, and stamina. Its parallel banding makes it distinctive and powerful.
Crystal Properties
- Mohs Hardness: 6.5-7
- Chemical Composition: SiO₂ (Silicon Dioxide - Chalcedony)
- Crystal System: Trigonal (Microcrystalline Quartz)
- Colour: Black (most common), white, brown, red, with parallel banding
- Chakra: Root, Earth Star
- Element: Earth and Fire
Onyx Varieties
Onyx occurs in several colors with distinctive parallel banding:
- Black Onyx - Black with white bands - Protection and grounding
- Blue Onyx - Blue (often dyed) - Communication and calm
- Sardonyx - Red and white bands - Courage and protection
- White Onyx - White with bands - Clarity and purity
Metaphysical Properties
Onyx is known as a stone of strength, protection, and self-mastery. It provides support in difficult or confusing times, absorbs and transforms negative energy, and prevents the drain of personal energy. Onyx promotes vigor, steadfastness, and stamina, imparting self-confidence and helping you be at ease in your surroundings. It's particularly powerful for grounding, protection, and developing emotional and physical strength. Many use Onyx for protection, grounding, self-control, and overcoming fears.
How to Use Onyx
Carry Black Onyx for daily protection and grounding, wear it as jewelry for continuous strength and stamina, place it in your home for protection and absorbing negativity, meditate with it for self-mastery and inner strength, or use it in grids for protection and banishing negative energy.
Caring for Your Onyx
- Cleansing: Water-safe. Cleanse with running water, salt water, sound bowls, sage smoke, or moonlight. Onyx absorbs negativity and should be cleansed regularly.
- Charging: Sunlight-safe, full moon, or earth burial. Black Onyx particularly benefits from earth charging for grounding.
- Storage: Durable at Mohs 6.5-7. Store separately from harder stones to maintain polish.
- Durability: Stable and heat-resistant. Very durable for everyday wear and use.
Where Onyx is Found
Onyx is a banded variety of chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz) with parallel bands. True Onyx has parallel banding, distinguishing it from Agate which has curved bands. Much commercial Black Onyx is dyed Agate or Chalcedony to achieve uniform black color.
Major deposits: India, Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, USA, and Pakistan.
Indian Onyx is widely available and often used in carvings. Brazilian Onyx shows good banding. Natural black Onyx is less common than dyed varieties.
Onyx Through History
Onyx has been used since ancient times for seals, cameos, and intaglios due to its parallel banding. The name comes from the Greek 'onyx' meaning fingernail or claw, as the white bands resemble a fingernail.
Ancient Romans and Greeks carved Onyx into cameos and seals. It was believed to protect against evil and negative energy. Roman soldiers wore Onyx engraved with Mars, the god of war, for courage in battle. In ancient Persia and India, Onyx was used to protect against the evil eye. Medieval Europeans believed Onyx could cool the ardors of love and bring bad dreams, though this reputation has since been dispelled.
Astrological Connections
- Zodiac: Leo, Capricorn, and Sagittarius
- Planetary: Saturn (discipline and structure)
- Birth Stone: Not a traditional birthstone but associated with Leo
- Numerology: Number 6 (responsibility and protection)
Crystals That Pair Well With Onyx
Onyx works powerfully with protective and grounding stones:
- Black Tourmaline + Onyx for ultimate protection and grounding
- Hematite + Onyx for strength and grounding
- Obsidian + Onyx for protection and truth
- Smoky Quartz + Onyx for grounding and transmutation
- Tiger's Eye + Onyx for protection and confidence
Explore Related Crystals
Other Chalcedony Family Members:
- Agate - Curved banding for stability and balance
- Jasper - Opaque chalcedony for nurturing and grounding
- Carnelian - Orange-red for vitality and courage
- Chalcedony - Translucent variety for calm communication
Similar Protective & Grounding Stones:
- Black Tourmaline - Powerful protection and grounding
- Obsidian - Volcanic protection and truth
- Jet - Ancient protection and purification