Onyx Is A Gemstone Filled With Beauty And Spiritual Brawn

The black onyx is a beautiful gemstone that while affordable, lends a striking appearance of wealth to any setting. The black gemstone is often set in an alternating pattern with pearls so that the overall appearance is a striking white and black contrast. It is often carved into cameos or set inlaid in jewelry boxes, the dark stone making a beautiful frame for carved artwork and accompanying other gemstones in the art piece.

The Mythology of the Midnight Stone

This stone can be found worldwide but the most popular locations are in India and Brazil. While the black onyx is still commonly found, it is not as prevalent as the color-banded versions. The black gemstone is symbolic of the midnight hour and is considered very influential in the spiritual world.

Spiritually speaking, this gemstone is considered a “grounding” stone that strengthens the connection between an individual and earth. Spiritualist believe that the onyx is a protective stone, guarding against insect and snake bites and offers protections during times of conflict. It is considered to be a defensive and magical stone.

Mythological stories tell of cupid clipping Venus’ fingernails while she was asleep, scattering them upon the ocean shores. The fates, observing what had happened, turned her fingernails to stone so that no part of her heavenly body would ever perish. Those stones became the black onyx stones that are very popular today. The term “onyx” is actually derived from the Greek work “onux” which means fingernail.

What To Look For When Shopping For An Onyx Gemstone

This black gemstone is often used to contrast the color found in other gemstones. As in art, colors play best when contrasted with a dark background; this is also true with gemstones. Often, when shopping for onyx, you will many different gemstones in a combination setting. If you are searching for a solid onyx piece, your search may be a bit more difficult but no less beautiful.

Sardonyx Is A Popular Version of Onyx

Sardonyx is a white and reddish brown version of the onyx gemstone family and is highly valued in Rome. It is a widely used choice when creating seals and rings that are used for the insignia seals made of wax. It is said that sardonyx does not stick to the wax and is therefore ideal for such a purpose. The Roman General, Publius Cornelius Scipio was very well known for his preference for the sardonyx stones in his jewelry.