Column: Understanding onyx

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Onyx from Pakistan. (Submitted photo)
Onyx from Pakistan. (Submitted photo)

By Susan Schubes

A rather plentiful form of the mineral chalcedony, onyx is primarily used today as a decorative stone.

Substantial onyx deposits are found in Mexico, south Texas, and Pakistan.

Onyx is soft, semi-translucent and porous, usually taking its layered coloring of black, white, brown, orange-red, and grey from surrounding minerals. Since it’s porous, onyx is also frequently dyed in acid/sugar solutions into colors not found in nature (think of older Mexican jewelry with carved gems of bright red, green or blue).

Perhaps the most beautiful onyx available today is from remote locations in Pakistan. Stained by iron deposits, this onyx is colored with tawny swirls of chocolate, tan, rusty orange, cream and white. The rough material is formed into spheres, obelisks, carvings, paperweights, boxes and inlay, with surfaces acid polished to a soft sheen. Due to the substantial Pakistani deposit, fairly large pieces can be mined for manufacturing.

Once invited to a dealer’s wholesale warehouse, I saw jars so tall that I could not reach to touch the lips of the vases. As onyx is dense and heavy for its size, shipping on such enormous pieces must have been murderous.

As with all gemstone forms, onyx has its share of myths and legends. It is considered a strength-giving stone, beneficial for mental, physical and emotional stress. It brings balance to mind and body, and as a strengthening stone brings greater self-confidence and energy. On the minus side, it was once believed that onyx cooled affections, caused discord and separated lovers.

A word about onyx care: Onyx bead necklaces should be treated as you would pearls — no contact with hair spray or perfume, as these will dull the surface. Dyed black onyx, particularly in rings, becomes brittle with age and cracks and chips easily. Decorator items with sharp corners are subject to chipping, so handle with care. Do not subject to harsh cleaning agents or spray wax. Cleaning should be with damp cloth only, then wipe dry.


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