Onyx Gemstone Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Legends
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Onyx Gemstone Facts and History
Myths and superstitions surround the Onyx Gemstone since ancient times because of its captivating form and colors. Although most recognized by its tantalizing black color, Onyx Gemstones come in different colors like red and green.
Onyxes are categorized as carbon oxide chalcedony with parallel bands throughout the gemstone. The gem naturally occurs across the world, found in caves that form stalagmites and stalactites. The parallel bands are what primarily differentiates Onyx from agate, another form of chalcedony, except with curved bands.
Black Onyx Gemstones are the most revered color although it is quite rare. Jewel manufacturers commonly treat Onyx gems in a sugar solution to dye them black. This method has been in use as far back as Classical Greece, according to records by Pliny the Elder. Onyx imitations, typically banded stones, are also common since ancient times.
Historically, Onyx has been used for jewelry, sculpting, and carving with a 6.5 score on the Mohs hardness scale. Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece were found to have jewelry, pottery, carvings, and sculptures made out of Onyx. Cleopatra was said to wear Onyx gems as jewelry believing it will protect her from danger.
Red Onyx Gemstones were discovered to have been featured in art as observed in the archeological findings of the bronze age historical civilization of Minoan Crete in Knossos.
The Onyx Gemstones have also been mentioned in the Bible as one of the precious materials used for Solomon’s temple and one of the jewels in the breastplate of the Jewish High Priest.
The Mughal Emperor of India, Jahangir, has an entire slab of Onyx fashioned as his throne. The Throne of Jahangir is currently located in the Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh.
The word Onyx retains its Latin roots of the same name which is derived from the Ancient Greek word onux. This means claw or fingernail because a cut Onyx resembles that of a fingernail, especially when flesh-colored.
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Onyx Gemstone Uses
Many ancient civilizations have been mining Onyx gems to use in decor. Ancient archeological sites have wielded many decor pieces like bowls, vases, figurines, and sculptures made out of Onyx Gemstone.
Brazilian green Onyx was greatly popular for decor, dishes, and sculptures in Austria during the height of the Art Deco movement.
Onyx Gemstones are popular jewelry pieces from ancient times to today. Its exquisite color and luster give any piece of jewelry a luxurious appeal.
In China, Onyx Gemstones are commonly carved into bead bracelets. It was also typically worn as mourning jewelry during Victorian England. Onyx Gemstone is a great crystal for master jewelers to use for intaglio and cameo works because of its bands.
Slabs of Onyx featuring different colors are also carved and used as building materials. Entire interior walls were made from slabs of Onyx as luxurious decor in notable buildings like Villa Tugendhat, Hotel de la Paivan, and Marinky Theatre Second Stage.
It is also used in many interior features like columns, fireplaces, and balustrades.
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Onyx Gemstone Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism
In ancient times, Onyx Gemstones are believed to imprison demons and evil spirits, attributing their black color to the negative or evil energy within. Over the centuries, the gemstone’s spiritual meaning and symbolism evolved to be that of a protection stone, meant to shield and direct bad energy away from those who possess it.
In Hinduism, the Onyx has a great influence on the activation of the root chakra, solar plexus, and third eye. These chakra points help with focus, grounding, self-control, and balance. The Onyx Gemstone is seen as a stone that decreases anxieties and brings willpower to help with the achievement of one’s dreams.
Onyx is also seen to have the property to quench the libido, encourage the mastery of emotions, and fasten the ending of a bad or unhappy relationship.
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Onyx Gemstone Symbolism of Different Shapes and Forms
The Onyx Gemstone can have different forms and variety in color, each type being useful to many cultures and comes with its own symbolism.
Sardonyx is a variety of Onyx Gemstone with red bands present instead of black. Like black Onyx Gemstones, sardonyx symbolizes protection, specifically from bad dreams. It is also believed to bring love and bravery.
White Onyx is a variety of Onyx Gemstones with very pale grey bands. It symbolizes clarity of the mind, patience, and strength–a popular gemstone for athletes.
Green Onyx is an Onyx Gemstone with green bands. It is believed to ease anxieties, restfulness, and stress. It is also a symbol of making correct decisions in times of worry.
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Onyx Gemstone Symbolism in Different Cultures
Western civilizations since ancient times commonly see Onyx Gemstones as signs of protection from negative energy.
In ancient China, Onyx Gemstones are also seen as a symbol of protection. In the Feng Shui tradition, wearing Onyx is believed to bring determination and strength.
In both ancient India and Persia, the Onyx Gemstone is seen as a symbol of protection against evil. It was also believed to create a stronger and more harmonious relationship between couples.
The Bghai tribe of Myanmar uses Onyx stone to carve spirit statues for their homes with the practice of satiating these spirits with blood to keep them from harming their family.
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Onyx Gemstone in Combination with other Gems
Onyx Gemstones are primarily used as a grounding stone and when paired with other gems with calming properties, the effects can be significant. The best gems combined with Onyx are aventurine, lapis lazuli, and tiger’s eye gem which can heal bad energy, help reach one’s full potential, and instill resilience respectively.
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Onyx Gemstone Birthstone and Zodiac Sign
It is generally agreed upon by practitioners that the Onyx Gemstones are highly connected to the zodiac sign Leo. The grounding properties of Onyx immensely help balance Leo’s hot-headed and ambitious nature.
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Onyx Gemstone in Dreams
Dreaming of an Onyx Gemstone can be interpreted in different ways depending on the context and the situation of the dreamer. Commonly, Onyx Gemstones in dreams may indicate a desire for protection, courage, control, strength, or determination.
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Onyx Gemstone Omens and Superstitions
Ancient Romans carry sardonyx amulets carved with the image of Mars into war, believing it gave them strength and courage in battle.
During the Renaissance, people will wear Onyx gems if they want their eloquence and elegance to increase.
In Victorian times, midwives would commonly place Onyx gems between the mother’s breasts to help ease the process of childbirth.
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Onyx Gemstone Mythology and Folklore
In Roman mythology, it is said that Cupid once shot at Venus with one of his arrows but missed and only broke her nail. That nail fell down the Indus River and transformed into the first Onyx Gemstone.
