Onyx is a type of quartz that comes in a variety of colors. Onyx usually comes in black or black with white bands. The bands that are found on Onyx run parallel and are consistent. Agate bands are round or circular and are not consistent. Because black is a popular color for Onyx, many people use Onyx with gold, silver, platinum, and even white gold.
Where is Onyx Formed and Found?
Onyx is found in many regions of the world due to large quartz deposits. However, it can be found in the United States, Brazil, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.
Onyx comes in several colors, most notably black, black with white bands, red, brown, and reddish-brown. It should be noted that red, brown, and reddish-brown quartz are usually called Sardonyx.
History and Origins
Onyx was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans and was named after the Greek word for nail or claw. Besides black and black and white bands, onyx comes in other colors most notably red, brown, or reddish-brown. When Onyx is reddish-brown or red, it is known by a different name – Sardonyx. Sardonyx was a prized stone used by politicians during Roman times for creating seals, due to the fact that Sardonyx never stuck to the wax.
