Onyx Semi Precious Stone

What is Onyx?

Onyx, the gem mineral, is translucent to opaque, hexagonal with hardness 7, refractive index (1.54-1.55) and chemical formula (silicate chalcedony (SiO2)). It exists in white, black, and mostly as sardonyx (parallel red bands with white/yellow/orange).

How Onyx formed?

Onyx is made of bands of chalcedony in alternating colors. The cryptocrystalline consists of parallel bands of silica minerals quartz and moganite.

History behind Onyx

Sardonyx (red and white banded) has been described in the Bible. Ancient Romans and Greeks used onyx. In 9-12AD, the Gemma Augustea, the Roman cameo, (19x23 cm) piece framed in gold, shows translucent carving of white figures against the black onyx background.

The naturalist of the 1st century, Pliny the Elder has written about the use of onyx in “Naturalis Historia.” Egyptians of 2nd dynasty made onyx bowls and potteries. Archaeological findings at Knossos show the use of sardonyx in Minoan Crete artwork.

Onyx is found in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Indonesia, Latin America, Madagascar, the UK, the US, Uruguay, and Yemen. Black onyx is artificially treated.

Onyx Usage

In 1920-1930s, Brazilian used Green onyx as a base for sculptures. Ferdinand Preiss, the German sculptor, used the same for chryselephantine sculptures. Austrians made Green onyx trays and pin dishes attached with bronze animals and figures.

We, Artefactindia with the intention of promoting the dyeing marble inlay works manufactures the precious decorative inlay products inlaid with precious and semi-precious gemstone. We do use this historic Onyx decorative stone for manufacturing inlay decorative products.

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