Birthstones
Stones: Natural Synthetic
Onyx

Onyx

Onyx is an agate, a banded form of chalcedony quartz. The bands come in a variety of colours and originally all these varieties were known simply as onyx. Today this name is more usually reserved for black and very dark colourings with white bands (pure black onyx also exists but is less common). Where the bands are of a red or reddy brown colour the name sardonyx is usually applied.

The word onyx comes from the ancient Greek for "nail" or "claw", the banding in the stone thought to resemble that in a human fingernail.

Onyx has been traditionally used in a variety of jewelry especially talismans and brooches. Today you can also buy everything from earrings and necklaces to bracelets and beads. Pure black onyx is especially popular, much of this having been heat treated to improve its appearance.

Symbolism and Lore

According to classical Greek legend, onyx is formed from the fingernails of the goddess Venus. One day when she was sleeping at the side of the river, Eros clipped her nails. The nail clippings fell into the water of the river where they formed the first onyx stones.

Given the involvement of Venus and Eros in its creation, one might expect onyx to be associated with love. Surprisingly this is not usually the case, rather it is more often associated with bringing passion under control or even ending unhappy relationships. Perhaps the attending of the sleeping Venus by Eros was a sublimation of desire and a way of releasing it harmlessly?

Given that onyx is the anniversary stone of the 7th wedding anniversary it's tempting to think of the seven year itch. However that idea is of relatively recent coinage - it was originally a 19th century term referring to an unpleasant skin condition!