Onyx is a banded kind of the cryptocrystalline quartz chalcedony. The colors of onyx's bands range from whitish color to almost all types of hue. The common samples of onyx available usually contain the colors of tan, brown and white. Sardonyx is a type of onyx in which the bands are in shade of red instead of black. Onyx that is usually used and made into beads, cameos and intaglios. Many onyx stones are natural in form but most of it is produced when one stains the agate.

ORIGIN OF NAME
The name comes from the Greek word onyx which means nail of a finger. Sometyimes , the name is used incorrectly, in labeling other banded lapidaries, such as calcite that is found in Pakistan and Mexico. Such lapidaries are carved and well-polished. This lapidary material is soft compared to true onyx, and easily available. In fact, it is the most common caved item being sold as true onyx. Onyx can be found all over the world but it is most common in Madagascar, India and Brazil.

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
Onyx gemstone is the birthstone for the month of February, while it is the mystical stone for December and a lucky charm for people under the Leo zodiac sign. Onyx is likewise the 10th and the 7th wedding anniversary gemstone.

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Onyx is said to help in releasing negative emotions such as grief and sorrow. It is also used to terminate troublesome or unhappy partnerships and relationships. Onyx also guards the user against negative vibes. Onyx jewelry is worn in order to defend oneself against negativity. Black gemstones are said to have protective energies because black is known as the absence of light, and so it can be utilized to create the illusion of invisibility.

LEGENDS
The name comes from the Greek word onyx which means nail of a finger or claw. Legend says that one day while Venus was sleeping Eros/Cupid cut her fingernails and left the clippings scattered on the ground. Because no part of a heavenly body can die, the gods turned them into stone which later became known as onyx.

Black onyx was used in India to ward off 'the evil eye', and therefore today people find it as the stone for eliminates negative thinking, stresses and anxiety.

HARDNESS
As a stone that has ranking of six and a half on the Mohs scale of hardness, onyx is a very good stone for use in carving.

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