Did you know that the name onyx comes from the Greek word for fingernail? It’s no wonder when you look at the fingernail appearance of this interesting gemstone. In fact, ancient legends say that one day while the goddess Venus was sleeping, Cupid cut her fingernails and left the clippings scattered on the ground.  Because no part of a heavenly body can die, the gods turned them into stone—and this is the origin of onyx!

Onyx is such a mystical gemstone that it is even thought to increase regeneration, happiness, intuition, instincts in anyone who wears it.  (But careful, onyx is also thought to decrease sexual desire and helps to change bad habits, so don’t wear onyx on a date.)

I love the Greek myth of onyx, and all the legends, but truthfully, onyx is a chalcedony quartz that is mined in  Brazil, India,  California and Uruguay. Onyx has a fine texture and deep black color, but the color can vary greatly. In fact,  with onyx, the colors of its bands range from white to almost every color (save some shades, such as purple or blue). Onyx commonly contains bands of colors of white, tan, and brown as well. Onyx is a very diverse gemstone. There is even a variety of onyx that is reddish brown with white and lighter reddish bands that is known as sardonyx.  Black onyx remains some of the most popular onyx in existence.

Onyx is also able to be carved and is easily used in jewelry. It is durable and it boasts a 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means onyx can easily be crafted to fit the needs of many jewelers. 

Here are some other interesting facts on onyx. Onyx is the birthstone for the month of December, and is the birthstone for the Zodiac sign of Leo. So it makes a great gift for anyone born in that month or sign. Onyx is also given on the 7th and 10th wedding anniversary.

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Eagle National Mint If you are seeking quality onyx jewelry, one of the best sources I’ve found online is Eagle National Mint. Start your shopping there.

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