Onyx Meaning and Benefits.
Table of Contents
~ Properties ~ Onyx Meaning ~ Benefits ~ Healing ~
Onyx Meaning – General Information
Onyx is a variety of Chalcedony, a cryptocrystalline form of Quartz. It most commonly occurs as a black stone and can be extremely shiny with a sateen reflection. It also occurs in a wide range of other colours, namely brown, white, red, and orange. Black is the most popular colour on the market. (The type of Onyx we are mostly referring to here is the black variety). It has a long history of use for hardstone carving and jewellery; usually cut as a cabochon, or into beads; as well as intaglio or cameo engraved gems. Onyx is a 7th Anniversary gemstone. It belongs to the trigonal crystal system and has a vitreous silky lustre and a Mohs hardness of 6.5 – 7.
Onyx Meaning – History
Onyx was first recorded in 77 A.D. by Gaius Plinius Secundus (Pliny the Elder) and so named after the Greek word “claw” or “fingernail” due to its similar resemblance. Known to the ancient Greeks and Romans and considered to be one of the most important healing and protecting stones by ancient peoples. It was also popular for use in jewellery, amulets, and carving materials. Egypt from as early as the Second Dynasty used it to make bowls and other pottery items. Onyx is also one of the stones reputed to be in the breastplate of the high priest. During the 1950’s it was very popular in men’s signet rings.
Onyx Meaning – Metaphysical Benefits.
Since antiquity, this powerful stone has been used for protection against black magic, as well as defending against negativity. Onyx will also help you gain emotional balance and self-control, as it balances the male and female polarities within you. It brings balance to mind and body, as well as strengthening the mind. It is a wonderful stone for those who are flighty by nature, as it will help ground and focus your attention.
A strength-giving stone that is valuable to people under extreme physical, mental and emotional stress that also provides support in difficult circumstances. It can help you approach a lesson or task with greater self-confidence and helps to alleviate fear and worry. Helps you feel comfortable within yourself and in your surroundings. It is also understood to promote stamina and vigour and to encourage the making of wise decisions.
Onyx assists in absorbing universal life force energies that are required for healing and other purposes. It is also useful for healing old grief and sorrows. Belief is that it will increase regeneration, happiness, intuition and your instincts. Also, known to reduce excessive sexual energy, and assist in changing bad habits. Athletes can also benefit from the strength and stamina giving properties of Black Onyx.
Onyx Meaning – Healing.
Black Onyx treats disorders of the bones, bone marrow and blood. It is beneficial for teeth and the feet and is helpful with glaucoma, epilepsy, and cell damage. Onyx should be laid directly on the body or worn or carried for long periods of time, as its effects develop quite slowly.
It is particularly helpful with skin ailments, healing infected wounds as well as fungal infections, inflammation and even sunburn; Pat the affected skin with Onyx elixir several times during the day and cover with an Onyx elixir compress at night.
This stone helps to eliminate apathy, stress and neurological disorders. It is useful for strengthening the nerves, capillaries, hair, eyes and nails. Onyx may help you sleep soundly.
Tips for using Onyx.
- Wear Onyx to help take charge of your life.
- Hold Onyx for help making decisions.
- Keep Onyx at your workspace to help take charge of situations.
- Put Onyx in your home for luck and happiness.
- Place Onyx in a bowl of warm water to soothe your aching feet at the end of the day.
- Meditate with it to connect to your roots and your spiritual path.
- Carry Onyx as protection against negativity.
- Hold onto Onyx when you need extra stamina.
- Wear it to assist with changing bad habits.
Black Onyx for sale in-store
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First presented in the July 2010 Newsletter, and edited May ’22 for inclusion here.
© Ron and Sue Windred.
Disclaimer: The outlined metaphysical and healing properties in this website are for inspiration and reference. We gather this information and alleged properties from writings, books, folklore and various other sources. They are also dependent upon the attitude and beliefs of the individual. Furthermore they do not replace diagnosis or treatment by a qualified therapist or physician.