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onyx - the fingernails of venus

onyx (chalcedony) before color treatment

yellow onyx pendant & green garnet necklace

compositionsilicon dioxide
name sourcefrom the Greek word onux, meaning "fingernail" (alluding to its weak transparency)
other accepted namesblack agate
historical aliases"stone of sadness," "stone of egotists"
color black (natural); black, gold, blue and other colors when dyed
significant sourcesBrazil, India, Madagascar, Uruguay and throughout the world
MOH scale7
care and treatmentTo clean, rub lightly with a soft polishing cloth. An optional dab of olive oil will produce a beautiful shine. If necessary, a plain water rinse may also be used. Do not soak, especially in an ultra sonic jewelry cleaner (or dyes may be removed).