Onyx Stone Beads
Onyx
beads are formed by chalcedony quartz. These beads are available in
different sizes and designs. The primary color of Onyx Stone Beads
is black and therefore, these beads are also called as "Black
Onyx Stone Beads". Apart from black color, these beads are also
available in gray, blue, white, brown and yellow. Brazil is the origin country of these beads. Other few countries, where these beads are available are China, Mexico, India, U.S.A, and Madagascar. These beads are scarcely available and therefore, to fulfill the growing demand, sometimes, chalcedony quartz is dyed to deepen its velvety appearance similar to that of Onyx stone. As the onyx beads have a glossy and gleaming black color, therefore, these beads add an extra edge to the jewelry design.
These beads have permanent color and these do not bleed color. The reason is that at the time of manufacturing of the beads by a special method, these beads are heat-treated and heat-dyed. The natural Onyx beads are highly color banded, but those onyx beads, which are dyed by heating get solid color.
The Onyx bead is the birth stone for February and these beads are associated with the zodiac sign of Leo. Apart from February, these beads are also considered as birthstone for July and December. In the Western culture, these beads are being treated as fourth, seventh, and tenth wedding anniversary gift stones. The modern philosophers refer that these beads are capable in bringing happiness, regeneration, intuition power and instinct power.
Onyx Stone
Chemical Formula: SiO2
Mineral Name: Chalcedony
Color: Black, but also found in brown, gray and white
Hardness: 6.5 - 7.0
Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.64
Onyx ia a chalcedony that occurs in bands of different colors. It is composed of relatively straight, parallel layers of different colors. When the dark layers are brown or brownish red, it is often called Sardonyx. Onyx is a form of agate with parallel banding. This structure lends itself to cameo making.
It is usually cut into cabochon, or into beads, and is also used for intaglios and cameos. Some onyx is natural but much is produced by the staining of agate. It is available in the regions of USA, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, India, and Africa.
