Onyx and Black Stone Beads Onyx beads are made from chalcedony quartz. The name onyx comes from the Greek word onux, meaning fingernail or claw, because of its translucence. Onyx is found worldwide in black, gray, brown, yellow, blue, and white. However, significant sources include Mexico, Brazil, China, India, Madagascar, and the United States. Black onyx is usually heat treated or dyed by a method that is permanent and will not bleed color. However, other colors of onyx may bleed color. Although natural onyx is often heavily color banded, dyed onyx may become a solid color. In our grouping of onyx, we have included black stone beads, as they offer the same appearance as black onyx. Black agate beads, in our agate category, could also technically be called black onyx, as agate is a form of chalcedony quartz. Black stone is a general term that applies to a number of different minerals that will polish well and are either naturally black or can be dyed permanently black. Due to the variations in black stone content, no treatment/care/hardness index is provided. However, it would be safe to conclude that the common care one would provide to any jewelry supplies should be practiced. Onyx is associated with the zodiac sign of Leo (specifically sardonyx, a dark brown or black and white banded variety of onyx.) It is the birthstone for February. It has also been called a birthstone for December and July. It is a fourth, seventh, and tenth wedding anniversary gift stone in Western cultures. New age thinkers attribute it with abilities in the areas of regeneration, happiness, intuition, and instincts. In jewelry making, black onyx or black stone gemstone beads have many uses, as they offer a neutral color and can be found in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They blend well with most other beads, but are particularly striking when paired with amber, light orange carnelian, malachite, blue lace agate, rose quartz, or turquoise beads. While onyx is found as beads or cabochons in jewelry supplies, it is also often carved into bookends, figurines, vases, chess sets, and other household items. common treatments: often dyed special care: avoid impact hardness: 7 (onyx) |
