Besides its beauty and exquisiteness that confer a particular charm and refinement to any jewelry it may be embedded in, the onyx is the more than just a mere stone, as it has taught people who hold it close to them, with its deep and strong shade and positive energy it exudes, what firmness, courage, independence, self-control and self-reliance, open-mindedness and tenacity is. This is why it is worth praise by all means and everyone should wear one.

The birthstone of all those who have been born under the sign of Leo in the Western zodiac and a Fire stone, it symbolizes strong-will and determination. Like the self-confident, dynamic and audacious animal it represents, onyx has become over centuries the symbol of free-spiritedness and steadfastness.

History. The name of this stone comes, curiously, from the same word in ancient Greek, which translates as 'nail' or 'claw'. According to the myth associated with onyx, one day Cupid cut with an arrowhead the divine fingernails of the goddess Venus, all this happening while she was asleep. But the clippings that fell on the sand and scattered were not let to perish and, instead, turned into stones by the fates, so that no part of a heavenly body would perish - and this is how the onyx came to our use. From a logical point of view, the association between fingernail and a black stone is quite weird, but if we are to consider that back in those ancient times the color of this variety of chalcedony pointed to all hues ranging from white to black, it is easier to understand the legend.

The sardonyx variety of onyx - red and white banded stone - was widely used in ancient Rome for seals, as it did not stick to the wax. Furthermore, historical data show that the Roman general Publius Cornelius Scipio worn this gemstone in the form of an amulet almost all the time.

Variety. First of all, we should know that onyx is a variety of colored quartz, belonging to the chalcedony family. Even though the most common color in which onyx is used is black and intense shades of brown, this stone comes in a variety of tones and hues, including honey-yellow, red, green, blue, orange etc. Onyx can also come in colorful banded stones, which are extensively used for ornamental purposes, thanks to the beautiful tints in the crystal. The variety of onyx that has red and, most often, white stripes is called sardonyx (coming from the word 'sard', which translates as 'red').

Onyx is mainly found in Mexico, Brazil, Madagascar, India, Algeria, Pakistan, the state of Oaxaca etc.

Uses. As already mentioned, onyx is used for ornamental purposes, that is for creating exquisite pieces of jewelry that surround one with an aura of magic and charm, but this stone is also highly praised in that which concerns interior design. Craftsmen also make fashionable eating tools - such as bowls - out of banded quartz.

Lore and therapeutic uses. Quartz has always been considered the magic stone of strength and fortitude. It is very much used in alternative therapies against emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression, because the positive energy this stone exudes is able to make one more self-reliant, more optimist and determined. Besides the fact that it can chase away distress of any kind and negative energy accumulated deep within one's subconscious, it is priceless when going through confusing times in one's life. It calms and relaxes the spirit, giving one patience and tolerance. In the ancient Egypt, it was used to cool down the ardor and frenzy of love.

Onyx is also the lucky gemstone for Leo (in the European horoscope) and Ox (in the Chinese horoscope).