What is onyx: magical and healing properties, description and history, jewelry

ONYX AND AGATE: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE

For non-specialists, it is acceptable to think that onyx and agate are one and the same.

In essence, these are twin brothers: both belong to layered chalcedony, the same hardness and resistance to acids. They have the same chemical formula, SiO2. The main difference between black (relatively) onyx and black agate is in the patterns and contrast of layers.

Minerals also differ in the quality of their shine. Agate has a matte sheen, while onyx has a glassy sheen.

These minerals are distinguished by the arrangement of stripes:

• onyx stripes are usually straight, thin, and run parallel to each other;
• agate has thicker stripes, often concentric, parallel or oval-shaped.

Onyx

Onyxes are more expensive than agates, which is surprising - the stones are almost the same. True, the hardness of onyx is higher, and the lines-stripes are thinner and more graceful than those of their counterparts.

Types of minerals

Agates amaze with their variety of patterns: most often they are found in gray, blue, and white stripes.

Stones with stripes of other colors have their own names:

• bastion;
• mosses;
• ocellar;
• landscape;
• black;
• iridescent.

Onyx in orange, red, fiery colors is called sardonyx. This mineral is called Algerian, if it is painted in black and white colors, it is the most expensive of the onyxes.

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Samples of dark deep shades are found: they are usually called black. But black onyx does not exist: this is a trade name, there is no such concept in gemology.

Black agate

Onyxes are easily converted to slate black by refining with cobalt nitrate. In ancient times, this procedure was carried out using honey and heated sulfuric acid.

Treated stones are not fake.

History and origin

Both minerals have been known to mankind for thousands of years. Craftsmen have always used the layered nature of the stone and its unusually beautiful patterns to create jewelry, paintings, and vessels.

• The delightful “Cameo Gonzaga” is carved from sardonyx.
• Al-Biruni wrote that a large (about 25 cm in diameter) black onyx discovered on the Red Sea island was taken to the Kaaba, where it is still located, as a Muslim shrine.

Where is black agate mined?

Found on all continents of the Earth.

• There are rich deposits in Uruguay and Brazil.
• Dark agates are mined in India, Russia, and the USA. Rich deposits can also be found in Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia.
• In Russia - in Primorye, in Kolyma; There are primary deposits in Crimea.

Bastion

Interaction with zodiac signs

Let's consider how the mineral affects representatives of different zodiac signs:

1. Aries. For a person born under the auspices of the constellation Aries, chalcedony will help direct energy in the right direction and bring all things to an end.
2. Calf. A warm-colored mineral, especially yellow, will help Taurus become more self-confident, overcome laziness, addiction, and also strengthen their character.
3. Twins. Agate is not suitable for these people: Geminis are usually versatile, creative people, and the stone will put pressure on them, forcing them to choose one goal and go towards it, which means destroying creativity.
4. Cancer. Impressionable, vulnerable, insecure Cancers will receive from agate courage, determination, and the opportunity to reveal their potential.
5. A lion. Sardonyx, black in color, is one of the stones most suitable for Leo as a talisman. It will enhance the natural charisma and courage of the sign’s representative, and will also help him win the respect of others.
6. Virgo. Light chalcedony will help Virgos come out of the shadows and stop doing all the menial work without receiving any reward. It will reveal their leadership potential and help them achieve career growth.
7. Scales. Blue onyx will help Libra maintain peace of mind even in the most difficult situations, make correct and thoughtful decisions, and understand others.
8. Scorpion. Dark quartz will protect Scorpio from gloomy, sad thoughts, as well as from the machinations of ill-wishers, accidents, and severe mental turmoil.
9. Sagittarius. A blue stone will protect Sagittarius, who is often the center of attention, from envy, gossip, slander, the evil eye, damage, and any negativity coming from other people.
10. Capricorn. The stone will protect Capricorn from minor injuries and illnesses, help fight manipulators, and become the best advisor.
11. Aquarius. Green onyx will help Aquarius concentrate, direct all thoughts and actions towards achieving their dreams, which will lead to incredible success.
12. Fish. Sardonyx is not very suitable for representatives of this sign, as it can greatly enhance their tendency towards loneliness, pessimism, and asceticism.

AREAS OF USE

Healing properties of minerals

In lithotherapy, the properties of black agate have been used since ancient times.

Today's esotericists know and use the properties (medicinal and magical) of both minerals.

Agates of different colors are successfully used for treatment:

1. Blacks will help men show off their masculine strength.
2. Gray-white-blue have a general strengthening effect.
3. Jewelry with a predominance of red shades is recommended to be worn for cardiovascular diseases.
4. Yellow ones provide relief from diseases of the liver and thyroid gland.

Onyxes, according to lithotherapists, help old people with strength and self-confidence.

If you wear earrings with onyx, it will have a beneficial effect on the organs of vision and hearing; Wearing pendants is useful for cardiovascular diseases. We recommend: ENSTATITE - “reactive” stone

For yoga lovers

• Chakras for working with agate - Anahata, Vishuddha. Birthday is December 5th. The generic name is Oirm-vean.
• Chakras for working with onyx - Muladhara, Manipura, Vishuddha. Birthday is May 2. The family name is Kaaolosg-saat.

Mokhovy

Magic properties

Black agate gives power over evil spirits.

• Set in gold or platinum, the stone will put the owner's life in danger.
• Set in silver - it will envelop you in temptations, and can push you onto the path of a black magician.
• The best option is to set the agate with copper or bronze: these metals keep the harmful qualities of the stone in check.

At the same time, the powerful energy of the jewelry absorbs all the negativity directed at the owner.

Black agate can help improve eloquence.

Black agate will best reveal its magical properties in collaboration with jet and morion.

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?

• Full “agate” and “onyx” protection will be received by the Earth signs - Virgo, Capricorn and especially Taurus.
• Black agate will give its heart and protection to Scorpios.
• Sagittarius and Aries, with their fiery energy, will not find a “common language” with these amulets.
• Libra and Pisces may be suitable for amulets in blue and gray tones.
• Gemini can get help from talismans colored in warm, brown, red, orange colors; however, it is better for them to look for other amulets.
• Cancers, with their deep self-doubt, will become more decisive with such decoration.

Talismans

The power of onyx will be nearby if you have miniature things or stone figurines with you:

• Pyramid or apple. A godsend for sick people. The gem is applied to the problem area, and after a few weeks an improvement is felt.
• Fish. Attribute of careerists: attracts good luck, high earnings, will help you pass an exam or win a casting.
• Dishes. Plates, glasses, glasses are an excellent family purchase. Enhance the taste of food or drinks.
• Ring with black onyx. Talisman for businessmen: helps to establish connections and avoid losses. The rest will be more confident with this decoration, increase their self-esteem or get rid of old psychological traumas.

The magical properties of the stone are enhanced in silver. Gold awakens leadership qualities. For people eager to achieve career heights in a dishonest way, the stone is useless.

Onyx is recommended to be worn by people in dangerous professions or people speaking in public.

Any object made of stone will protect your home from robbers or destruction.

PURCHASE AND CARE

Onyx and agate gain full power (magical and healing) in autumn and winter. It is at this time that it is advisable to buy jewelry: at this time, the future owner, when “getting acquainted” with the stone, will understand whether they are suitable for each other.

Glazkovy

How to determine authenticity

Only a specialist can distinguish a well-made fake. But there are some signs by which you can determine whether it is a natural stone.

1. A real stone stays cold in your hand for a long time, but a fake stone quickly heats up.
2. A genuine mineral is heavier than fakes.
3. In natural stone, stripes (veins) are visible to a depth of 3-4 cm; fakes do not have this property.
4. The stripes on fakes are too bright or too blurry.

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Physicochemical characteristics

Onyx is silicon dioxide, a chalcedony variety of quartz. The color of natural onyx is created by impurities.

The physical properties of onyx make it comparable to marble or granite. It surpasses them in frost resistance, water absorption or hardness.

Classification by shade

Multicolored minerals often have several varieties with their own names, depending on its transparency and primary color:

• sardonyx is the most beautiful stone of red-pink shades with transparent and milky veins;
• carnelian is somewhat reminiscent of sardonyx, but it has more brown-beige tones;
• the thick black variety is known as the “Arab stone”, although sometimes transparent and blue stripes are found in its “cosmic” depth; such stones are used to make rosaries and rings;
• chalcedony is a gray variety, the most beautiful is Crimean chalcedony, with cloudy yellowish and greenish stains;
• brown-green is the most common classic variety, which is often used for large beads and crafts;
• “pure” onyx resembles milk diluted with water and is used as inserts in jewelry.

Occasionally you come across pure yellow, gray-violet and blue specimens, which are not very expensive, but are in demand among those who sell finished products.

Attention! For those who do not know what a real emerald or sapphire looks like, they can sell single-color onyx products (green or blue).

Oriental jewelers can cut off the one-color part, insert it into earrings and rings and sell it as more expensive semi-precious inserts and cabochons.

The magical capabilities of the mineral

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All colors of onyx are characterized by the following magical properties:

• reveals dormant talents;
• develops public speaking and leadership abilities;
• helps you to believe in yourself;
• contributes to the completion of started tasks;
• improves thinking, memory, speed of decision-making;
• protects from the evil influence of enemies;
• promotes the development of such qualities as determination, prudence, courage and wisdom;
• protects people in dangerous professions (rescuers, military, miners) from accidents;
• If a person is impetuous and quick-tempered, the stone will help you make informed decisions.

The magic of varieties

Almost every type of mineral has unique magical abilities .

A depressed emotional state will be improved by yellow onyx. In this case, you need to put a figurine of this mineral in a prominent place or wear a ring so that you can look at the stone more often. Yellow color in the interior contributes to a favorable atmosphere in the home and family.

The green mineral promotes peace of mind, tranquility and powerful positive energy supply.

A white stone will be able to increase self-esteem and repel enemies or “energy vampires.” All together this will contribute to career advancement and salary increases.

The marble variety of the mineral prevents sudden mood swings, promotes prudence and protects against rash actions.

Black onyx is used by magicians and helps to survive mourning.

The power of talismans

The magical powers of onyx are fully revealed in various amulets. Thus, a talisman made of green onyx protects married couples from quarrels , and gives creative people energy and inspiration for work.

For business owners, the talisman should be in the form of a ring or ring. It is recommended to wear it on the index finger. To improve the family environment, it is better to seek help from a talisman in the form of kitchen utensils.

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For the interior, figures are made in the form of an apple or a pyramid , which accumulate a powerful charge of positive energy. They need to be placed in a prominent place in the room or applied to the diseased organ for treatment.

An onyx fish figurine promotes success in the professional sphere, financial well-being and good luck in any endeavor.

Important! The stone helps only decent people. When trying to achieve a goal contrary to moral principles and laws, a stone will only hinder this.

Onyx stone: who is suitable according to the horoscope

One of the advantages of colored onyx is that it is suitable for almost all representatives of the zodiac cycle, only the color varies.

The red variety or sardonyx is the best stone for bright emotional personalities, channeling their irrepressible ardor in the right direction. This is a talisman of Aries, signs of the fire element; it is better if it is a ball or a carved figurine of an eagle. Black stone is contraindicated for Aries (any kind). Recommended for Capricorns, especially in the form of an amulet with a figurine of a black cat, as well as for Taurus, Libra and Virgo (namely black color).

Geminis should refrain from this gem, but most of all they should avoid it on the eve of the wedding, otherwise it threatens to break the relationship. Superstitious Chinese and Indians warn about this.

This mineral is quite neutral to the other signs of the zodiac; it is worn in combination with other stones - both in the form of jewelry and for medicinal purposes. Therefore, you can safely give a souvenir or chess, an amulet or jewelry with this stone even to that person whose zodiac sign is not known.

How to spot a fake

Onyx is a hard stone with the properties of expensive stones, although it is classified as semi-precious or ornamental gems. High hardness leaves no chance of leaving damage on it.

Helpful advice! If you doubt that you have purchased beads from this stone, swipe it with a knife or any hard blade - there will be no scratches or other marks left.

Counterfeits made of colored glass are often passed off as onyx, sold to unlucky tourists and visitors to oriental bazaars at the price of natural stone. A natural gem does not heat up well, so it often has a lower temperature than the surrounding environment.

Looking at how a mineral looks in a photo, it is easy to recognize characteristic stripes and veins - natural stones do not have sharp boundaries between color segments. Contrasting transitions and multi-colored stripes without related shades are most likely a fake.

Note! Sometimes cheaper stones are impregnated with caustic green or red-brown dyes to add brightness. Such beads and pendants quickly fade, so sellers do not hang them on the counters on the sunny side of the market.

In interior design, they do not hide the fact that imitation glass, acrylic or onyx-like porcelain stoneware is used. This is a beautiful decor in the form of countertops and facing tiles.