Onyx is a stone whose properties have excited human consciousness since biblical times. It was and remains a recognized ornamental material, a talisman, a vehicle of energy and a symbol-guardian of the elements, a magic tool and just a beautiful decoration.
The debate about the nature of the stone, whether it is semi-precious or semi-precious, refers to gems or quartz, whether it can be considered volcanic or not, whether it is an independent mineral or one of the varieties of agate that is still underway.
What is this stone?
The geological description of the onyx stone is as follows: it is a mineral that is a type of quartz and belongs to the group of chalcedony, that is, "fibrous" rocks in which parallel layers are painted in different colors.
Colors range from black to white, but for any color there are flat parallel multi-colored layers.
From the history
Known to people and they have been actively using onyx since ancient times, the characteristic of the stone was given back in the Bible - “And the gold of that land is good: there are bols and a stone to shogam”. "Bdolah" - aromatic resins, "shogam" - onyx. Mention is in the description of Eden. In addition, the stone is repeatedly mentioned in the description of the vestments of the high priests, as it was one of the twelve minerals that adorned their clothes.
The Hebrew word שהם (shoham) does not have an exact translation; its primary meaning has been lost. The current familiar name is “onyx”, the Greek word “ὄνυξ” translated as “nail”.
What is interesting stone?
Mentioning onyx, the properties of stone often mean completely different. Bearing the energy of the earth, the mineral has the following characteristics noticed by people:
- healing;
- magical;
- energy;
- art.
Curious is the fact that stone has been mined and processed for more than a thousand years, while its resources have not been exhausted. Deposits are still “bearing fruit,” the same as in the time of King Solomon.
How does it affect health?
It is believed that if you wear onyx to correct your health, the properties of the stone will allow, if not completely cured, then significantly alleviate many ailments.
A mineral is useful in the presence of conditions such as:
- colic in the kidneys;
- liver disease
- heat;
- obesity;
- depression;
- insomnia;
- sexual weakness;
- rheumatism;
- decreased attention;
- bad memory;
- low immunity and others.
It is curious that the stone was used in antiquity for the manufacture of not only “healing water”, but also tooth powder, powder, and was even taken inside, of course, in the form of powder.
Onyx stone products relieve migraines, other types of headaches, positively affect the nerves and the body as a whole. Confirmation of this is both in medical medieval descriptions, and in fiction. For example, onyx amulets were worn by King Richard the Lionheart, who was prone to nervous breakdowns and fits of uncontrollable rage.
How does it manifest in witchcraft?
Onyx, the magical properties of which were highly valued in ancient times, was used in witchcraft and in the Middle Ages, it is used by para-practitioners of all directions now.
However, this stone is good. His magic is aimed at saving his owner, saving him from bad thoughts and negative influence of others, protecting him from the evil eye and helping to reveal his own talents.
Trying to use a mineral to influence someone’s feelings, beliefs or change life circumstances is not worth it, onyx, whose magical properties have a completely different orientation, will not help.
Amulets from this stone are recommended to politicians, for example, they were worn by all the ancient Greek speakers and Roman senators, rulers and military leaders. The mineral has special, pronounced properties to sober up thoughts, add intuitive insight, tame anger and develop logic, which was necessary for all leaders at all times.
Onyx is especially strong if it was given round shapes during processing, the pyramids from it are used in table rituals when there is no attachment to one person. The properties of the stone are enhanced by silver, but gold is contraindicated for it.
From time immemorial it is believed that the mineral protects against any magical effects, its owner can not only "spoil" or jinx, but bewitch. At the same time, onyx saves not only from external negative influence, but also from its own. Quite often, a person “spoils” himself, especially when he falls into depression, anger and other emotionally negative states, which are characterized by a strong surge of energy.
Do I need a house?
As a talisman for living quarters, this mineral is also used. The house in which onyx stands, the properties of the stone protect from disharmony, poverty, scandals. In such a house there is always a "full bowl" and many children. The stone promotes fertility in every sense, so women who do not want pregnancy do not need to keep onyx products in their homes.
In the Middle Ages, triangular-faceted minerals were buried in the fields - for crops, at crossroads - so that evil or dashing people would go astray, and an onyx ring with a middle finger would protect merchants, ambassadors and other people who had to travel often.
Who should wear a stone?
It is no secret that magic stones are worn according to the signs of the zodiac, onyx is no exception. The mineral is a natural charm for everyone born under the auspices of the elements of the earth - for Taurus, Dev and Capricorn, it is necessary.
Aries is a border sign and it is permissible for him to use talismans and the presence of things with this mineral, but onyx will strengthen such qualities of those born under this constellation as stubbornness and selfishness. But it will be useful in that it will help expand the worldview and give the ability to predict the consequences of their own decisions.
All things with onyx are strictly contraindicated, both personal and wearable, or simply standing in the house, to people born under the constellation Gemini. The mineral is the complete antipode of everything that is natural for this sign. The twin, forced to contact with onyx, is often sick, constantly moping, completely losing his creative and intellectual talents.
For other air signs - Libra and Aquarius, the mineral is not so dangerous, but it is not a natural amulet.
As for the element of fire, onyx helps to quench anger, figuratively speaking, it does not flare up and go out, allowing you to burn for a long time and give others your warmth, rather than destroy it.
For the signs of water - Crayfish, Pisces and Scorpions, it is important how the onyx stone looks. Those born under these constellations should not wear jewelry or use things with a mineral of hot and dark colors, but a stone of all shades of water - from blue to yellow - will bring tangible benefits.
How to choose?
Each of the practicing specialists of para-practitioners, and indeed any fortuneteller, will tell that the stone should "get used" to its owner, tune in to the person. That is, you do not need to wait for an instant increase in wealth, wearing a pair of cufflinks with onyx. The stone must be worn constantly, the only way you can get help from it.
As for the choice, then of course you need to consider all the recommendations regarding the cut, color palette, framing of the future amulet. But you should choose, guided by only one point - you need to let Onyx choose the owner himself. There is nothing fabulous about this; the process is absolutely realistic.
For example, at gem fairs held in recent years, pebbles and crafts made from them are on the shelves or hang over them. If you linger at such a shop window and begin to carefully familiarize yourself with the assortment, then after a while even a person who is completely down-to-earth, devoid of imagination and intuitive beginnings, will surely single out some little thing from the rest.
Usually nobody can explain their choice, getting off with the phrase “liked”. In fact, if a person liked a certain product, then this is precisely the “choice of stone”. Such a thing should be bought, even if it does not correspond in any way to the future owner, it will still be a good talisman and amulet.
It happens, and vice versa - a person rummages for hours in sold crafts, but he does not like everything. This suggests that the stones repel, "do not want" to get to this owner. In this case, you just need to move away from the display case, with the resistance of the mineral a good and useful amulet will never work out of it.
Can I give a stone?
When choosing a product as a gift, it is necessary to take into account who suits onyx, what color palette a person prefers and, of course, not amulets or talismans, but simple jewelry or gizmos for the house.
That is, you can give a casket, a mantelpiece, even a napkin holder, but not a thing that was originally intended as amulets and has magical meaning. That is, a pectoral cross from onyx cannot be presented as a gift, but cufflinks or a necklace are possible.
How to choose a stone as a gift?
When choosing a stone not for yourself, you should not consider the assortment for a long time, touch products and, in principle, “get to know” them. That is, you do not need to allow the moment at which the mineral will choose a person as its owner, because it is intended as a gift.
The easiest way to tell the seller exactly what I would like to buy, for what reason and for whom. No need to go into details, just outline the situation in general terms. Any of the merchants will immediately offer several options for the presentation, from which you should choose, given the occasion and preferences of the person presented.
That is, if it is a ring or cufflinks for a man who will be worn with representative suits of dark colors, pink or yellow stones should not be purchased. It is also not recommended to give caskets for all kinds of women’s little things made of stones of restrained and serious colors, children's earrings or bracelets - “dirty” and soft colors, presentations to elderly people - funny and playful colors, and so on.
What and how to put in the house?
As a home amulet, any onyx crafts will do. It is necessary to choose it in the same way as a personal talisman, it is advisable to do this with the whole family. As a rule, with a collective approach, the first ones who have something to their heart are children.
It is curious enough how this stone is used as talismans for a house in Asia. Although onyx is not as widespread in China, Vietnam, Laos, Japan and other ancient countries as it is in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, it is still there.
Mineral is used for the manufacture of street personal lights. Such lamps are amazingly beautiful, but they are located either at the entrance to the courtyard, or directly in front of the entrance to the dwelling. It is believed that a person carrying evil intentions, evil thoughts and even ordinary envy will not be able to overcome the onyx light.
In the European tradition, there are no such certainties; in a house, a thing is completely arbitrary and can be absolutely anything.
From ancient times, this stone was treated, saved from sorrows and misfortunes, it was placed in the house to attract good and prosperity, and politicians and the military wore charms and jewelry made of stone for clarity of thought and success.
The mineral can be useful today, because in addition to mysticism, it is valuable for its unique external beauty. As an artistic material, onyx is highly regarded everywhere, but it is especially loved by worshipers of all times. The Vatican Museum has more than 1,500 exhibits in which onyx is involved in one way or another, and Jewish high priests used it among 12 stones decorating their vestments.