onyx

[tanath]

wren said:

Onyx ( SiO2 with impurities) is a member of the Quartz family Chalcedony or microcrystalline quartz.

Color
Onyx is usually black, ray or brown with white bands. The bands are typically straight, which separates it from banded agate, because the lines in banded agate are usually curved. Sardonyx is a type of Onyx with bands of Sard alternating with the stone’s white or black layers.

Imitators
Sometimes dishonest merchants will sell grayish chalcedony or agate that has been dyed black or green to imitate Onyx. Calcite is also sold as Onyx but discerning the two is actually quite easy because Onyx is very hard, but something as soft as a fingernail can scratch Calcite. Also, some marble has been called onyx, but is much softer and subject to damage from acids.

Uses
Black Onyx is often used as a backdrop in jewelry, such as cameos. It is also used as cabochons and as a building material.

Enhancements
Black and colored onyx is always dyed. Onyz is easily dyed, so beware of the more "unnatural" looking colors, such as bright blue, etc. Onyx with red and white bands is sometimes referred to as "Sardonyx". Onyx is the black variety of agate. However some parts are more or less translucent. This is why it is often heated to accentuate the intensity of its color.

Birthstone
February

Shaman Birthstone
Scorpio

Astrological Birthstone
Capricorn or Leo

Planetary Astrology
Mars or Saturn

Elemental Symbolism
Fire elemental

Numerology
6

Roman Astrology
July

Marriage
The 7th year anniversary

Time of Day
Onyx symbolizes the midnight hour.

Names
Onyx is beneficial for men named Oliver.

Mental Healing

Onyx has served as a worry stone and material for rosary beads for centuries. Crystal healers believe that it has the ability to soothe fears and worries, to control to overwhelming emotions. They say it can help a person maintain a positive outlook while awaiting the result of a source of anxiety. They also recommend it for improving concentration and devotion, calming sexual tension and ending marital disputes. The stone is also reputed to have bad mental consequences that can include depression, nightmares and losses in legal matters.

Chakras
Good for opening all Chakras. The following colors work best with relieving ailments associated with the Chakras indicated:

Black Onyx-Root/Base Chakra
Green Onyx-Heart Chakra
Yellow Onyx -Solar Plexus Chakra
Blue Onyx-Throat Chakra

Physical Healing
New Agers use Onyx for treating glaucoma, epilepsy, hearing problems, heart trouble, ulcers and cell damage. They also recommend it for athletes, who should wear it on a necklace that reaches the Solar Plexus to increase vigor, strength and stamina. It also works on the structural and epidermal systems including bones and teeth, bone marrow and aching feet, and soft-tissues fingernails, skin and hair.

Protection-The spiritualists believe it can protect against venomous snake and insect bites, divine the future through dreams and offer general protection in times of conflict. It is a defensive magick stone.

Hebrew- Onyx was one of the twelve stones in the Hebrew High Priest Aaron’s breastplate. It is associated with the Gad Tribe of Israel and the guardian angel Gabriel. Onyx is also the Hebrew stone for July.

Vibration-#7 vibration