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Stone's names: Onyx or Sardonyx (with white and brown bands).
Name's origin: The word Sardonyx is derived from the Greek, Sard meaning "reddish
brown," and onyx meaning "veined gem."
Color: The layers
in these stones range from translucent to opaque for sardonyx. These stones vary in color too. They may be white or gray,
ranging to many colorful varities. Sardonyx stones usually contain flat-banded, white and brownish-red bands. Onyx is a gemstone
with alternating light and dark bands, which are colored in brown, red, black, white and grey.
Description:
SiO2 Onyx is a stiped, semiprecious variety of the silica mineral agate, with white and black, brown
and red alternating bands. Its properties are the same as quartz.
Birthstone:
Sardonyx is the birthstone of Leo (Lion): July 23 - Aug 22.
Wedding anniversary:
Onyx is the anniversary gemstone of the 7th year of marriage. Black onyx is the anniversary gemstone of the 10th year of marriage.
Varieties: Varieties of onyx include carnelian onyx, with white and
red bands and sardonyx with white and brown bands. Also found is green onyx.
Care and treatment:
Onyx may chip or scratch rather easily so store onyx carefully and never allow two specimens to touch each other.
History
of the stone: The name onyx was used by the Romans for a variety of stones including alabaster,
chalcedony and what is now known as onyx marble. Roman soldiers wore sardonyx talismans engraved with heroes such as Hercules
or Mars -god of war. They believed that the stone would make the wearer as brave and daring as the figuer carved on it. During
the Renaissance sardonyx was believed to bring eloquence to the wearer and was regarded with great value to public speakers
and orators. Cameos are cut from stones like onyx, sardonyx and agate in which different colors occur in layers. the
background material is cut away, leaving leaving the cameo design in relief. Onyx is also used in intaglios because its layers
can be cut to show a color contrast between the design and the background.Sardonyx at one time was more precious than gold,
silver or sapphires. Sardonyx is widely used in cameos and intaglios.
Uses: Onyx
is a rich-looking, affordable gemstone. It is often mixed with pearls to create elegant jewelry.
Healing
ability: Onyx is used as a heart, kidney, nerve, capillary, hair, eye, nail and hair
strengthener. Onyx is said to help one sleep. The gemstone helps to eliminate apathy, stress and neurological disorders.
Mystical power: The gemstone eliminates negative thinking. It is also believed to sharpen
the wits of the wearer. Onyx is said to bring spiritual inspiration. It is of great assistance in holding emotions under control.
Black onyx is used to help change negative habits.
Deposits: The chief deposits are
in India and South America.
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