Onyx is a variety of agate. Onyx is a cryptocrystalline substance of quartz, which refers to a stone marrow with straight and arranged banded stripes. Onyx has different colored layers and is often used for relief. It is also used as a high-end interior design material because of its light transmittance.

As an interior design material, translucent onyx is usually highly polished to make it more translucent. It is available in white, brown, brown, etc. Onyx used for relief is often light or white. For carving, its base color is often dyed black to create a contrast. Its English name Onyx now also means pure black black agate, which is mostly used as jewelry and is quite stable.

History of Onyx

Onyx was popular in ancient Greece and ancient Rome.

Red onyx was also used in the Cretan art of the Minoan civilization, especially in the archaeological discoveries of Knossos.

In ancient Egypt, onyx was used to make bowls and other pottery as early as the Second Dynasty.

There are also records of onyx in the Christian Bible, such as the product of Havilah in Genesis, the gems used by King David to inlay the temple in Chronicles, and the decoration of the foundation of the wall of New Jerusalem in Revelation.

Onyx 's Function

‌Perseverance and courage‌

Black onyx symbolizes perseverance and courage. Wearing it can enhance self-confidence, increase courage, and make people more resolute and brave.

‌Longevity‌

It is also regarded as a stone of longevity, implying the desire for longevity and health.

‌Love and hope‌

Black onyx also symbolizes friendly, love, and hope, which can bring happiness and confidence.

‌Wealth‌

In ancient times, people often used "pearl agate" to describe wealth, so black onyx also means wealth and abundance.

In addition, in Western culture, black onyx also represents positive meanings such as power, dignity, elegance, mystery, and wisdom. Many celebrities, politicians, and business elites like to wear black onyx as a symbol of identity and taste.

Onyx 's Identification method

Pattern and color

Real agate has bright and bright color, while fake agate has a lower gloss due to insufficient hardness and density. It should be said that onyx is a very delicate natural stone. Thin panels made of onyx have also served as colored glass, mainly due to its light transmittance;

Texture

Fake agate is mostly imitated by glass, which is softer than real agate. Hard objects can scratch fake agate, while real agate cannot. From the surface, real agate has few flaws, while imitations have slight bubbles;

Transparency

Compared with fake agate imitated by glass, real agate is slightly less transparent, but compared with fake agate synthesized by other ingredients, real agate is more transparent and more spiritual;

Weight

Due to different densities, real agate jewelry is slightly heavier than artificially synthesized agate jewelry;

Sound

Gently tap the agate, the real agate sounds crisp, making a metallic sound. Fake agate has a chaotic sound;

Biting with teeth

Real agate feels "soft" when bitten with teeth, while fake agate feels like biting sand when bitten with teeth.