Onyx is a striped, semiprecious variety of chalcedony with white, black, brown or red alternating bands. It is different from regular agate only in that the bands of which it is composed are parallel and regular. The name onyx originates from the Greek word onyx for fingernail or hoof, probably because of its weak transparency or possibly its color. Onyx may chip or scratch rather easily, so store it carefully. Most Black Onyx that is commercially available today is color enhanced (heated and dyed) to increase it's depth of color.
Onyx which is reddish brown and white is known as sardonyx. Sardonyx was highly valued in Rome, especially for seals, because it was said never to stick to the wax. The Roman general Publius Cornelius Scipio was known for wearing it a good deal.
Onyx is said to have been one of the stones used in the Breastplate of the High Priest, and is also mentioned in Genesis 2:11,12: "…the gold of that land is good; there is bdellium and the onyx stone." Onyx has further been associated with the Hebrew tribe of Gad and Sardonyx with the Christian Apostle James.
It is said, according to Greco-Roman myths, that one day the frisky Cupid cut the divine fingernails of Venus with an arrowhead while she was sleeping. He left the clippings scattered on the sand and the fates turned them into stone so that no part of the heavenly body would ever perish.
Onyx is the Mystical birthstone for the month of December. It is also the birth stone for the Zodiac sign of Leo. Onyx is also given on the 7th and 10th wedding anniversary.
Onyx is thought to increase regeneration, happiness, intuition, and instincts, helping one to become master of ones own fate.
(Astrological Sign of Leo )
Vibrates to the number 6
It has been used in the treatment of disorders related to bone marrow, to the soft tissue structures and to the feet.
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