The legend of onyx and the mystical properties of this gemstone

Beauty, rarity, and durability are the three main attributes that a mineral or other material must possess to qualify as a gemstone. Gemstones have fascinated people for thousands of years and the onyx gem is not an exception. Throughout the ages, the onyx stone was used not just for its beauty, but because many believed it possessed magical qualities. A lot of people do not believe that gemstones have special properties and wear onyx just as a simple ornament, but it should be mentioned that it is really interesting and fun to learn and know about some of the beliefs associated with this gem.

So, first of all let’s see what is onyx? Onyx is a chalcedony quartz that is mined in many parts of the world; it can be found in Brazil, India, Uruguay and some other parts of the world. It has a fine texture and black color (this color is often regarded by some jewelers as “magic”); however some onyx gems also display white bands against a black or brown background and this variety is known as sardonyx.

Onyx is the mystical birthstone for the month of December and it is also the birth stone for the Zodiac sign of Leo. Onyx is also given on the 7th and 10th wedding anniversary.

The myth of the origin of onyx has its roots in Ancient Greece. The legend says that the goddess Venus was resting on the banks of the Indus River. As she slept, Eros/Cupid used the point of one of his enchanted arrows to give her a manicure. He cut her fingernails and left the clippings scattered on the ground and since the nails were of heavenly origin and because no part of a heavenly body can die, the Gods turned and metamorphosed them into a stone which later became known as onyx. So the name itself comes from the Greek word “onyx” which means nail of a finger or claw.

As legend goes, onyx was a protective stone worn by warriors when facing adversaries in battles of conflicts of all kinds. In classical ceremonial magic, the image of the head of the god Mars or a figure of the hero Hercules was engraved on onyx and carried for courage. Indians and Persians believed that wearing onyx protected them from the evil eye, provided support in difficult times and centered the whole energy in times of mental or physical stress. Onyx was also considered to offer the gift of wise decisions.

Onyx is not only used for protection, but also as defense against negativity and evil consciously directed towards you. It has also been used to reduce uncontrollable sexual impulses. The close union and yet strong contrast between the layers of black and white in some varieties of onyx may suggest its connection with romance. In India, gemologists recommend onyx as a protective measure for harmonious relationships, thus keeping away any probability of disturbances or differences between the couple. Onyx as a birthstone provides the authority and structure you crave. It can help you be the master of your destiny and strengthen your confidence.

In addition to repelling negative energy, and offering protection to the wearer, it has also been used to increase wound healing …and it has special significance for childbirth. Onyx can help give a mother-to-be stamina and strength to ensure a quick and easy childbirth. In fact, in many cultures, placing onyx on the stomach of a pregnant woman in labor would reduce the labor pain and bring on earlier delivery.
Well, whether you choose onyx because of its beauty, or because of its mystical properties, you can not deny the fact that this gorgeous gem can make even a simple jewelry design look simply stunning!

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