Onyx is formed by the deposition of silica in gas cavities
in lava, which results in the distinctive bands we see in the stone. They come
in varied shades of red, orange, and brown, which often alternate with striking
bands of white. The banding in onyx is straight, and is either brown or black
and white, while curved bands occur in the variety of quartz known as agate.
Natural Onyx
Natural and Commercial Onyx
Since ancient Egyptian times, onyx has been stained to
improve or change its color. Natural
black onyx is rare, so the commercial black variety is usually agate that
has been stained by the sugar-sulfuric acid treatment, soaked in sugar and then
heated in sulfuric acid to carbonize the sugar. It may be banded or solid
black.
Where Onyx is from?
Natural Onyx can be found in Uruguay, Brazil, Afghanistan,
India, Madagascar, Peru, California and Northwest Mexico.
Ornament
Onyx was also traditionally used for carving cameo brooches.
Onyx was widely used in the past as bases and handles for gold items and inlay
work. Onyx seals were very popular with the Romans.
Onyx is the Greek word for “claw” or “fingernail” because
these veins resemble the colors of a fingernail. The marble is still called
“onyx marble,” being less valuable and softer than onyx which has a hardness
rating of 7.
Myth
The origin of onyx says that the goddess Venus was resting
on the banks of the Indus River. As she slept, Cupid used the point of one of
his enchanted arrows to give her a manicure. The parings of her nails then fell
into the waters of the sacred river. Since the nails were of heavenly origin,
they sank to the river bottom and were metamorphosed into onyx!
As a Protective Device
Onyx is a protective stone worn when facing adversaries in
battles of conflicts of all kinds.
In classical ceremonial magic, the image of the head of the
god Mars or a figure of the hero Hercules was engraved on onyx and carried for
courage.
Indians and Persians believed that wearing onyx protected
them from the evil eye, and that placing onyx on the stomach of a pregnant
woman in labor would reduce the labor pain and bring on earlier delivery.
Harmony and mental calmness
Onyx is also used as defense against negativity consciously
directed towards you. It has also been used to reduce uncontrollable sexual
impulses. The close union and yet strong contrast between the layers of black
and white in some varieties of onyx may suggest its connection with romance.
In India, Gemologists recommend Onyx as a protective measure
for harmonious relationships, thus keeping away any probability of disturbances
or differences between the couple. Onyx as a birthstone provides the structure
and authority you crave. It can help you be the master of your destiny and
strengthen your confidence. It provides support in difficult times and centers
your energy in times of mental or physical stress. It also offers the gift of
wise decisions. As many ancient ring are set with Onyx wearing on your left
middle finger which is closest to your heart!
Moreover throughout history, onyx 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 séances, 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.
Power and Stamina
Contemporary authors say the onyx brings increased vigor,
strength, stamina, and self-control. It alleviates worry, tension, and
nervousness and eliminates confusion and nightmares. It is used to provide
glimpses of that which is ‘beyond’ and activates one’s memory of one’s roots
and reality. Medicinal applications include the treatment of bone marrow
diseases, teeth, foot, blood and bone problems, and soft tissue disorders. It
is also believed to aid in ailments such as epilepsy or glaucoma and is known
to have powers to rectify damage done to cells.
Use in Analogue Audiophile
Japanese Cartridge manufacturers Kiseki and Koetsu had been
produces valuable Cartridges with solid Onyx shell for pickup minutes signal in
the magnitudes of grooves of the Vinyl. Attached is the Koetsu Onyx Platinum
cartridge.
Koetsu Onyx Platinum MC cartridge US$9,995.00
Rolex watch with Onyx dial.
Rolex has been doing a few watch models with Dial made of
Onyx.
Rolex Submariner 16618 with Onyx Dial X Series. 1992 year
We can tell onyx dial by the window of the date, there is a
Golden Frame insert under the Cyclops glass. It takes a block of 2 kiogram of
onyx to be cut and grind into a thin layer of Onyx of 0.2mm thick and adhere
onto the bronze support plate, drill the eleven holes to insert the circulate
hour Luminous dot, and mill a square window on the date at 3 o’clock position,
insert the rectangle gold trim insert.
We could see that these MUST be done by hands and the
production yield of this kind of dial is about 10%. 9 in 10 pieces would fail
by having even hair line crack that could not pass the Rolex inspection criteria.
So the cost of making this kind of dial is extremely
expensive…
Rolex Collector is looking for some watch with specialty,
double name, Comex Submariner, special stone, Lapis Blue, Onyx, Coral,
Sodalite, marble, Meteorite, jade…etc.
If you are Rolex collector you should feel what I am feeling
right now the joy of having such kind of watch.
HK Snob
