Onyx (original) (raw)
About OnyxHide
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Specific Gravity:
2.6 - 2.65
Name:
From Greek ὄνυξ (onyx, "claw, fingernail"), presumably because onyx with flesh-coloured and white bands can resemble a fingernail.
A variety of Agate
In correct usage, the name refers to a (usually) black and white banded variety of agate, or sometimes a monochromatic agate with dark and light parallel bands (brown and white for example). Traditionally the name was reserved for black and white banded agate, and brown varieties named sardonyx.
The traditional method to make onyx is reported to have involved soaking the stone for months in honey or some sugar-rich solution, and then into concentrated sulphuric acid, which turned the sugar-infused bands black.
Note:
In recent times the name has become confused with other banded materials. In particular banded calcite formed in cave systems such as the material found in Mexico and Pakistan and often carved, in fact the majority of carved material (such as book-ends, chess-sets, etc.) that are available today are made from this carbonate rock. This is a carbonate material and not true onyx. Other names have been used over time for this material, such as "Mexican onyx" and "onyx-marble". Careless use of these names has resulted in the term 'onyx' being incorrectly applied to a variety of banded materials that are not covered by the original definition of the name.
Unique IdentifiersHide
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Mindat ID:
2999 (as Onyx)
3337 (as Quartz)
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2999:1 (as Onyx)
mindat:1:1:3337:0 (as Quartz)
a71cd86a-936d-4684-a5f8-d8155e732bf5 (as Onyx)
4ca61d6f-75f8-4208-8fb2-3b0eecbcd8f0 (as Quartz)
Physical Properties of OnyxHide
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Transparency:
Translucent, Opaque
Comment:
Vitreous when polished
Comment:
Often produced by dying agates
Density:
2.6 - 2.65 g/cm3 (Measured)
Comment:
varies with amount and type of impurities
Chemistry of OnyxHide
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Crystallography of OnyxHide
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Synonyms of OnyxHide
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Other Language Names for OnyxHide
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Common AssociatesHide
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Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
Other InformationHide
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Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for OnyxHide
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References for OnyxHide
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Localities for OnyxHide
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This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the 
symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
Locality ListHide
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- This locality has map coordinates listed. - This locality has estimated coordinates. ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence. ? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. 
- Good crystals or important locality for species. 
- World class for species or very significant. (TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species. (FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.