Onyx
This spectacular natural stone is included in the group of mineral quartz and often used for making jewelry, as well as ornamental semiprecious stone for the sculptures of Antiquity.
Onyx is a variety of fine agate, often containing gray, red or white streaks, which give it a special appearance. For example, onyx with red bands is called the “sardonyx”.
The black onyx is painted and heat treated, like “sardonyx”, to create red and yellow strips and to be used subsequently for industrial or commercial purposes.
Did you know …?
- The name of this natural stone comes from the Greek “onyx”, wich means “nail”. An old fascinating legend says that, one day, Cupid has cut, accidentally, Venus’s divine nails with the tip of an arrow.The unfortunate occurrence happened when the Goddess of Love was asleep. Her nails turned quickly intro stone, so a part of the Goddess’s body remained forever on Earth.
- It is said that onyx provides safety and protection against certain medical conditions.