Material: Onyx
The cool, mysterious gleam of black onyx creates a perfect accent to any outfit!
jewelsforme.com tells us: "Onyx is the birthstone for Leos and the anniversary gemstone for the 7th year of marriage. Black Onyx is the anniversary gemstone for the 10th year of marriage...Onyx is a protective stone worn when facing adversaries. Onyx is not only used for protection, but also as defense against negativity consciously directed towards you. It has also been used to reduce uncontrollable sexual impulses.
"Throughout history, onyx has been thought to bring powers of protection, defensive magic, and the reduction of sexual desires. It has also been thought to reinforce the knowledge that there is no death, aiding in the understanding of the wheel of birth, death and rebirth. It brings about the knowledge that separation is an illusion and reunion will come. It aids psychic contact with those who have died, facilitates seances and mediumship, brings messages from the dead, and aids past-life and between-lives regression work. It helps future life progressions, and prevents and removes spirit possessions...Contemporary authors say the onyx brings increased vigor, strength, stamina, and self control. It alleviates worry, tension, and nervousness and eliminates confusion and nightmares. "
agta.org tells us, "Onyx, a member of the chalcedony family, takes its name from the Greek word “onux,” meaning “fingernail.” According to Roman mythology, Cupid clipped the fingernails of the goddess Venus while she slept. To immortalize every part of her body, the fates transformed the clippings to stone.
"In ancient times, nearly all colors of chalcedony, from white to black, were referred to as onyx. In more recent history, the Romans narrowed the term to refer exclusively to black and dark brown hues.
"Onyx has undergone enhancements for over 2000 years. The ancient Roman historian Pliny gives an account of a darkening technique still in use today: first, the onyx is soaked in sugar water, then placed in strong acid to boil. After boiling for two hours, the acid eats away the sugar and water, leaving pure black carbon. Today, applying cobalt dye is also another accepted color enhancement.
"Durable and easy to care for, onyx has a hardness of 7. For safe cleaning, use a solution of warm water and mild dish soap, scrubbing with a soft brush to remove dirt and dust. As with all fine jewelry, onyx should be removed before sleeping."
