Onyx

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A layered variety of chalcedony banded in parallel black and white, onyx also lends its name to uniformly black chalcedony when used as a gem. It forms in the cavities of volcanic rocks and in sedimentary silica deposits, most notably in India, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States. Belonging to the trigonal quartz group, it measures 6.5 to 7.0 on the Mohs scale. Since antiquity the stone's contrasting layers have been exploited for cameos, intaglios, beads, and large decorative objects, while pure black onyx became popular in mourning and men's jewelry. A moderately priced semi-precious stone, onyx is traditionally associated with February.

Physical & Optical Properties

Mohs Hardness 6.5 – 7.0
Specific Gravity 2.55 – 2.7
Refractive Index 1.53 – 1.543
Crystal System Trigonal
Color black

Mohs Hardness

1 Talc 2 Gypsum 3 Calcite 4 Fluorite 5 Apatite 6 Orthoclase 7 Quartz 8 Topaz 9 Corundum 10 Diamond Onyx
Mohs hardness of Onyx shown against the ten reference minerals, from talc (1) to diamond (10).
Mohs Reference mineral Onyx
1 Talc
2 Gypsum
3 Calcite
4 Fluorite
5 Apatite
6 Orthoclase
7 Quartz
8 Topaz
9 Corundum
10 Diamond

Crystal System

a a a Trigonal (Rhombohedral) a = b = c, α = β = γ ≠ 90°

Value & Market

Price Tier Moderate ($50-500/ct)

Cultural Significance

Birthstone Month 2 (alternative)

Treatments

Black chalcedony ("onyx") is assumed to be dyed - Blue Chart Gem Identification, Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, 2010, p 7 6.5 to 7Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references 2.55 to 2.70Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) 1.530 to 1.543Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) Uniaxial/+Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) Straight color bands (black with white layer)Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references TrigonalUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) Onyx information at mindat.org

About Onyx

オニキス(縞瑪瑙・玉髄)は、緻密な黒色の縞状カルセドニーで、一般に白い縞との組み合わせで知られます。古代ギリシャ・ローマ・メソポタミアから宝石印章・カメオ・印鑑彫刻の素材として珍重され、ブラジル・インド・ウルグアイが主要産地です。現在市場に出回るほとんどの「黒オニキス」は、シリカに浸透した糖液を酸で発色処理した染色品ですが、装飾価値は変わりません。

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Onyx?
オニキス(縞瑪瑙・玉髄)は、緻密な黒色の縞状カルセドニーで、一般に白い縞との組み合わせで知られます。古代ギリシャ・ローマ・メソポタミアから宝石印章・カメオ・印鑑彫刻の素材として珍重され、ブラジル・インド・ウルグアイが主要産地です。現在市場に出回るほとんどの「黒オニキス」は、シリカに浸透した糖液を酸で発色処理した染色品ですが、装飾価値は変わりません。
What is the hardness of Onyx?
Onyx has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.0, making it moderate for use in jewelry.
What color is Onyx?
Onyx is primarily Black.
How much does Onyx cost?
Onyx falls into the Moderate ($50-500/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.
Is Onyx a birthstone?
Yes, Onyx is the February birthstone (alternative).

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