Brazil onyx bracelet A (grains 5-7mm)

BRA-ONYG-01
Origin: Brazil
Grade: A

Bracelet made of small tumbled onyx stones, approximately 5-7mm

The most well-known legend comes from Greek mythology. It is said that this fabulous black stone owes its name to Aphrodite's fingernails. The beautiful goddess had fallen asleep, and for fun, her son, young Cupid, cut off her fingernails with one of his arrows. 

He left with his spoils for Olympus, but what belongs to Gods and Goddesses cannot be altered. The deities of Destiny reclaimed Aphrodite's fingernails and transformed them into precious stones, called onyx. 

The word onyx therefore comes from the Greek "onux" which translates to nail or claw. One of the characteristics of onyx is that it does not stick to wax. It was therefore widely used in Rome to make cameos and seals, which closed their mail. They also used this stone to make ornamental objects or statuettes. 

In the Middle Ages, onyx, due to its dark color, was associated with hatred and evil. Black represented darkness, death, and gloom. It was even believed that possessing an onyx could bring misfortune. In China too, the black stone had a very bad reputation. 

However, in the Bible, God speaks to Moses and dictates his instructions for the construction of a sanctuary and the preparation of the priests' garments and insignia. He mentions a breastplate of judgment that will have four rows of stones, and in the fourth row will be chrysolite, beryl, and onyx. 

In Asian countries, the black mineral was considered a source of misfortune. However, Native Americans attributed to it the power to protect against evil spells and to alleviate pain. 

Thus, for several centuries and in several civilizations, black onyx was associated with anger, hatred, and despair. Then, at the end of the 19th century, this stone came back into fashion thanks to Queen Victoria. Black was a color reserved for mourning. But Queen Victoria was particularly fond of this color and decided to wear it in her jewelry. The fashion was thus launched in England, where onyx became very popular. 

Onyx belongs to the large family of silicates. It is a variety of chalcedony, just like agate, which is part of the quartz group. It has a translucent or opaque appearance, black in color with some white bands on certain specimens. 

Onyx forms in volcanic rocks, in the fissures of igneous and metamorphic rocks. These rocks were formed under the action of heat and pressure. It is sometimes found polished by water in the form of pebbles. 

Onyx has a conchoidal fracture and a vitreous luster. Its hardness is 7 on the Mohs scale. For comparison, diamond has a maximum hardness of 10 on the same scale. Nowadays, onyx is used in the manufacture of jewelry. It is also used to create various ornamental objects in lithotherapy. 

The main deposits are located in Brazil, Australia, China, Russia, the United States, etc. 

Onyx is a true shield against negative energies. It brings harmony and peace to the mind. Bad thoughts give way to calm thoughts. It is excellent for people with tumultuous thoughts and those who are in contact with harmful influences. 

This stone strengthens self-confidence and self-assurance. It leads to better management of emotions while limiting feelings of sadness, anxiety, and distress. It provides serenity and effectively combats stress. It generates stability in inconstant or moody people. 

Onyx is an anchoring stone that helps one to enjoy the present moment and allows for grounding to the earth. It facilitates openness to others and quality exchanges. It encourages empathy and compassion. The confidence generated by wearing an onyx facilitates contact with those around you. 

This stone is particularly recommended during meditation sessions. It is said that wearing an onyx stabilizes the mind and encourages introspection. Better self-understanding allows for better progress in life. It helps to maintain absolute concentration and can be recommended for students or people in training. 

Onyx is a stone that develops a sense of responsibility, which helps to overcome life's obstacles or difficulties. It helps to stop dwelling on the past and to face the future without apprehension while savoring the present. 

A natural stone with recognized virtues in lithotherapy, agate gently accompanies daily life. Find all our agate bracelets.