Stone of Confidence
Onyx, the name comes from the Greek word onux, which means fingernail. Sardonyx is a brownish mineral, and when it forms together with the straight white bands of onyx, the resulting stone is called Sardonyx.
They are both Chalcedony varieties characterised by straight, parallel bands of different colours. In Onyx, the bands are usually Black and White. In Sardonyx, Dark Brown, Brownish Orange or Red alternate with either Black or White.
HARDNESS
6.5 - 7
Treatment
Dyeing, Heating.
COLOR
Onyx: Reddish Brown and White.
Sardonyx: Blue, Blue Lace, Moss, Pink, Red.
Features & Traits
Black Onyx especially shines when used a backdrop for colour play. Sardonyx was highly valued in Rome, especially for seals, because it was said to never stick to the wax.
