HOW TO RECOGNIZE GENUINE ONYX?

Origin and Characteristics of the Stone

Onyx is a semi-precious gemstone and a variety of agate. This remarkable stone can be found in a wide range of colors, including brown, green, black, and banded shades, but the most common coloration is black.

 

Onyx was quite popular among the ancient Romans and Greeks. The name of the stone itself comes from the Greek word “onyx,” meaning nail or claw. According to legend, one day Cupid cut Venus’s nails with his arrow while she was asleep. He left them scattered on the sand, and the Fates turned them into stone so that no part of the divine body could perish.

It is rather curious that the black color of the stone became associated with nails, but in ancient Greek times, all shades of chalcedony were called Onyx. Later, the Romans began to use the term onyx only for its black and dark brown varieties. Today, onyx is primarily associated with the black variety, intended to distinguish it clearly from other colors such as reddish-brown, brown, white, or banded.

Onyx consists of many different layers that shimmer in beautiful shades. Among the hues found in nature, there are both warm and cool tones. The most commonly found variety is black onyx. The color of the mineral depends on the amount of impurities in the silicon dioxide of iron and other elements.

The layers of the stone are always parallel and multicolored. The temperature at which the stone forms depends on the width of these bands.

 

Types of Onyx and Their Distinctive Features

Another important point to understand is that the various properties of the stone manifest differently depending on its color. Therefore, it is important to choose the color that is right for you.

Onyx usually does not have a uniform color, which is due to the wide diversity in its chemical composition. Depending on the dominant pigment, the stone is divided into four main groups:

• black onyx (Arabic)
• white onyx (pure)
• red and white (carneolonyx)
• brownish-orange (sardonyx)

Genuine onyx has a quartz nature, which explains its high strength and hardness, making it resistant to deformation under external influence.

 

Black Onyx – this variety is suitable for people engaged in business or entrepreneurial activities, as it brings good luck to its owner and helps enhance communication and initiative. Another advantage is that it promotes negotiation skills with partners, which in turn leads to more favorable deals and professional growth. Black onyx is a symbol of strength and leadership.

 

Green Onyx – is considered the best stone for improving family relationships. It brings peace and well-being to its owner. This stone promotes harmony and understanding in any new household.

 

White Onyx – a symbol of white magic, in other words, it protects its owner from evil and negative thoughts. It is one of the most powerful minerals and attracts positive energy.

 

According to belief, onyx is a stone of fighters and the persistent. It gives strength to “break through walls with one’s head.” It is recommended for perfectionists, principled individuals, and those with strong determination.

 

Which Stone Can Be Mistaken for It?

The most highly valued varieties are white and black onyx, as they possess the greatest magical potential. In addition to the colors listed above, there is also gray onyx, whose hue is due to the high chalcedony content in the mineral. Because of this high concentration of chalcedony, it is often mistaken for agate.

Those familiar with gemstones would not confuse the two easily, as they know that genuine agate has a matte finish and is much lighter than onyx due to its lower physical density.

By knowing the precise characteristics of the stone, it is easy to determine its authenticity.

 

To distinguish natural from fake onyx, remember the following:

 

1. Genuine onyx has a harmonious color without sharp transitions. If the color transitions look unnatural or overly contrasting, the stone is most likely fake.

 

2. It is characterized by high strength. As mentioned above, its hardness prevents deformation. This means that if a blade is drawn across its surface, it will not leave even a scratch.

 

3. It is a poor conductor of heat. Even when exposed to high temperatures, the stone warms up very slowly.

 

 

There are various methods for treating inexpensive agates with chemicals to make them look like onyx, but only at first glance.

 

 

Who Is Onyx Suitable For?

According to the zodiac, onyx is especially suitable for Capricorn and Leo. It has a positive influence on indecisive individuals who often experience anxiety or lack self-confidence. It aids learning, which is why it is also known as the student’s stone.

Onyx is ideal for those seeking to enhance their intuition and to follow the path of spiritual enlightenment and growth.

It is also useful for those who wish to protect themselves from the negative influence of others. This may include both psychological negativity and energy vampirism. It is also believed that the crystal can protect its owner from physical attacks.

 

How to Care for Onyx

Storing and caring for onyx does not require any special approach. It is recommended to keep your jewelry in a spacious box to avoid friction between stones and other pieces. Use a soapy water solution and a medium-soft brush for cleaning. You can also add a small amount of baking soda.

Another option for cleansing is rubbing it with bread crumbs. The gemstone is not afraid of high temperatures, but bright light can cause discoloration, so avoid exposing it to direct sunlight.

 

 

Purifying Onyx

The stone can be cleansed of accumulated negative energy by placing it under running water for a few minutes. It can be recharged with positive energy by leaving it overnight in a flower pot, where it can absorb positive vibrations from the growing plant.

 

How to Wear It Properly

When purchasing an amulet, it is important to establish a connection with its primary energy. Try holding the gemstone in your hands for a few minutes.

Pleasant sensations will indicate compatibility, while discomfort suggests that the stone may not be right for you. It is believed that wearing onyx continuously allows its magical properties to manifest constantly.

Onyx is considered a cool mineral, which makes it best suited for wearing in late autumn, winter, or early spring. The stone has its strongest influence on middle-aged and older people.

 

Meditation with Onyx

This mineral is often used in meditation to overcome past negative experiences. Choose a place where no one will disturb you, sit in a comfortable position, and hold the stone in your hands while normalizing your breathing and fully relaxing.

The stone will help you achieve this by clearing unwanted thoughts, allowing you to remain focused and disciplined.

Once you reach a relaxed state, begin to repeat the following affirmation aloud: My past experiences make me stronger. I can overcome any problem or challenge easily and quickly, because the hardships of my life have made me resilient and wise. For the affirmation to have true meaning and effect, you must genuinely believe in the words you speak.