Onyx

Physical Information

Onyx is a banded variety of chalcedony, a microcrystalline quartz. Natural onyx has straight, parallel bands, often black and white. Pure black onyx is rare in nature: most black onyx sold today, for example in jewellery and beads, is chalcedony or agate that has been dyed black. This is a long-standing and stable treatment, and the stone underneath is still natural quartz.

Onyx has been used for carvings, cameos and seals since ancient times. Sources include Brazil, India and Madagascar. It has a hardness of about 6.5–7, takes a high polish and is easy to care for. Clean it with a soft, damp cloth.

Metaphysical Properties

Onyx is known as a stone of strength and self-control. It is believed to support discipline, focus and determination, and to help people stay steady during stress or big life changes. Many people use it when they need to feel strong and composed.

It is associated with the root chakra. People like to wear black onyx as jewellery or keep it at their workplace when they want a sense of security, inner strength and calm protection against negativity.