Onyx Description
Fast Facts
- Mineral Family: Quartz
- Structure: Trigonal
- Hardness: 7
- Numerology Vibration: 6
- Chakra Correspondences: Root, Solar Plexus, Third Eye
- Astrological Correspondences: Leo
What is Onyx?
A variety of Chalcedony Quartz, Onyx is a beautiful black stone that often has white bands. It is formed by deposits of silica that become trapped in lava, and it has been prized for millennia for both its stunning appearance and its high vibrations. Onyx’s name comes from the Greek word for “fingernail,” because its white bands look like the tips of a fingernail. In Ancient Roman mythology, Onyx actually comes from Venus, the Goddess of Love and Beauty. Tradition holds that she was sleeping next to the Indus River, and her son, Cupid, accidentally hit her fingernails with his arrow, causing the white tips to fall off. They sank to the bottom of the river, and there they transformed into Onyx. As this story implies, the Ancient Greeks and Romans valued Onyx and used it frequently in their art, particularly to depict gods. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the book of Genesis specifically mentions Onyx as a stone of creation. Victorians also wore Onyx mourning jewelry because of its color and ability to ease grief. Modern crystal healers and collectors continue this amazing stone’s long history of providing support, protection, and balance.
Metaphysical Benefits of Onyx
Onyx is a stone of resilience. It offers protection, keeping you safe from outside negativity, while almost promoting a profound sense of emotional encouragement. This crystal is perfect for anyone who is struggling with a difficult situation, such as grief or depression. Onyx bolsters your inner strength. Like other varieties of Quartz, Onyx has the ability to absorb negativity. It draws out your anxiety, stress, and sadness while also helping you retain your constructive energies. Working with Onyx will leave your revitalized, increasing your stamina and focus. Whenever you are embarking on a project or course of study, Onyx supports your goals. This crystal imbues you with the strength and self-discipline to conquer any challenge, and this knowledge boosts your self-esteem. Onyx does not allow you to get lost in your enthusiasm, however; it provides a sense of calm and prudence that balances out its raw energy. This crystal also helps you reevaluate your life and release the toxic habits, people, and situations that no longer serve you. Onyx transforms your routines and help you accept loss to move forward to a brighter, better future.
What is the Spiritual Significance of Onyx?
Onyx creates total balance and well-being. This crystal is the embodiment of control and self-mastery, a natural representation of The Magician in Tarot’s Major Arcana. For this reason, it is also the perfect tool for magic work and developing psychic abilities. Onyx boosts your intuition, allowing you to make productive decisions and better understand the needs of yourself and others. By working with the Root Chakra and the Earth’s energies, Onyx provides a profound sense of grounding and protection. It is an excellent talisman to guard both your physical and ethereal selves during daily life, astral travel, and spirit work, combining the Root Chakra’s stability with the Third Eye’s psychic powers. Onyx also harmonizes with your Solar Plexus Chakra to inspire confidence and energy. This crystal has strong retention properties; not only can it absorb negativity, but it can also hold the memories of its users. Onyx’s powers have been recognized by multiple religious traditions. In Hellenistic paganism, this crystal is sacred to Hecate, the Goddess of Wisdom and the Occult, Demeter, the Harvest Goddess, and Themis, the Goddess of Justice. Celtic tradition associates Onyx with Bean Sidhe, who symbolizes mourning, and it is also considered sacred to Manat, the Ancient Arabian Goddess of Time, Fate, and Death. Judeo-Christian texts identify Onyx as one of the stones in the High Priest’s breastplate. Onyx resonates in harmony with the number 6, which represents hope, nurturing, and understanding, as well as with the courageous leaders of the Leo astrological sign.
How to Use Onyx
Onyx jewelry has a long history, from ancient civilizations to modern day. Wear this stone as an amulet for personal protection or to work through grief. It is also the traditional gift for the seventh year of marriage, increasing understanding and stability in a romantic relationship. Place an Onyx stone next to your coffee maker; it will charge your morning cup with the energy and focus you need to face your day. If you feel stuck in an unconstructive cycle, meditate with Onyx to help you identify and release the things that are holding you back. For witches and those who engage in magic, this stone is a must-have! It supports spellwork, divination, and psychic abilities.
In your home or workspace, Onyx makes stunning and functional décor. Keep a piece on your desk during study or work to increase your focus and retention, especially if you are completing a difficult task. This stone is also a great addition to an office or another communal space in order to discourage toxicity, mean-spirited criticism, and controlling behaviors. Leave Onyx on your bedside table or under your pillow to shield you from nightmares and promote a restful sleep. In Feng Shui, Onyx is associated with the emotional strength of Water Energy. Situate it in the North area of a room or your Career and Life Path space.
Onyx has the ability to store memories and emotions. For this reason, it should be cleared frequently. Otherwise, you run the risk of transferring past pain back into your system. You can clear your Onyx using moonlight, soil, or a ring of salt. Consult the My Dream Crystal blog for a treasure trove of information about crystal clearing, care, and usage.
Shop Onyx Stones At My Dream Crystals
We offer a wide variety of high-quality Onyx crystals and gemstones at great prices. Our collection of Onyx welcomes stability, understanding, and vitality into your life. We provide fast shipping and friendly customer service.