Onyx Meaning and Spiritual Properties

A note on crystal traditions: this article explores spiritual beliefs and folklore. Crystal healing is not an established medical treatment or a substitute for professional care.

Power & Benefits of Onyx

Onyx is a stone that gives strength and courage. It provides support under challenging conditions and clears up confusion so you can see things with clarity. Brings in stability and strength. It is beneficial for making wide decisions, self-confidence, centering, vigor, grief, overwhelming fears, and balancing yin and yang. It is considered a protective strength-giving stone that is protective for dark nights and lonely places.

Spiritual & Emotional Influence

Onyx is effective in past-life work for healing old injuries and physical trauma affecting the present life, it anchors the flighty into a stable way of life and imparts self-control.

It is a grounding stone that helps you take control of yourself and your life. It assists in taking charge in situations so you can determine what is best for you or not.

The Physical Connection

Onyx is thought to be great for bones, teeth, bone marrow, and blood disorders. It is also thought to be helpful for the feet.

The Chakras Connected to Onyx

Root (Base) Chakra.

Astrological Signs

Leo and Capricorn.

Locations Found & History

Brazil, California, India, Italy, Mexico, USA, Russia, South Africa. and Uruguay. The name Onyx comes from the Greek word Onyx meaning the nail of a finger or a claw. Legend has it that while Greek goddess Venus was sleeping Eros or Cupid would trim her fingernails which they later turned into onyx so she would live on forever in the stone. In ancient times Onyx was believed to have a demon imprisoned withing that would awaken at night, sowing discord, especially between lovers.

Rarity, Value & Variations

Usually black, Onyx can also have bands of white, brown, grey, yellow, or orange with light shades of blue. Onyx that is reddish-brown with bands is called sardonyx. It has a Mohs hardness of 7, making it an excellent stone for carving and jewelry. Most of the Black Onyx today is treated or dyed to intensify the color.