Onyx

Hardness: 7.00

Refractive Index: 1.53-1.54

Specific Gravity: 2.60

 

Birthstone: February & July.

Astral Stone: Cancer, Leo, Capricorn

Anniversary Stone: 7th

 

Origination: Worldwide. South America is currently its� most important source.

 

Care & Cleaning: To clean, rub lightly with a soft polishing cloth. An optional dab of olive oil will produce a beautiful shine. If necessary, a plain water rinse may also be used. Do not soak.

 

Fiction, Facts & Folklore:

 

Onyx is a close relative of the chalcedony mineral group.

 

Onyx is commonly seen as a black and white banded gem, although it can sometimes be found in a solid black state.

 

The gem that you know as �black onyx� is actually a form of agate which is treated to turn black. After soaking the agate for a period of about 30 days in a dense solution of sugar or honey, it is exposed to a sulfuric acid bath. This process has been used for centuries, and considered permanent under normal conditions.

 

Other colors of �onyx� seen at retail are often various shades of agate as well.

 

A brown and white banded mineral sometimes known as �Mexican onyx� is not actually onyx at all, but rather a mineral known as calcite.

 

If the bands of onyx are symmetrical, it is sometimes carved into cameos.

 

A dream of onyx once predicted the arrival of a happy marriage.

 

Onyx was believed by some to be the key to eternal life.