SiO₂
Onyx
Parallel bands of black and white chalcedony, straight where agate prefers curves.
- Formula
- SiO₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5–7
- Crystal system
- trigonal
- Colour
- black, white
- Element
- earth
- Chakra (tradition)
- root
- Zodiac
- Capricorn, Leo
- Month
- —
- Where the earth keeps it
- Brazil, India, Mexico
What it actually is
Onyx is SiO₂ before it is a story. The lattice is trigonal, Mohs 6.5–7, and the eye meets black, white.
The better pieces still come out of the ground in Brazil, India, Mexico. Parallel bands of black and white chalcedony, straight where agate prefers curves.
What the old tradition whispers
The parlour tradition ties Onyx to earth and to the root centre. The old site stood it near: Capricorn, Leo.
How not to turn it to ash
Quartz will take lukewarm water and a cloth. Long sun fades amethyst and rose quartz. Perfume is a worse neighbour than dust.