Onyx was very popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans. The name is said by some to be derived from the Greek work Nux, meaning ‘fingernail’ or ‘claw’ due to the fact that most “Onyx” was a flesh tone color in those years.

The tale is that one afternoon, Cupid cut the fingernails from the divine goddess Venus, with an arrowhead while she slept, leaving clipping scattered amongst the sand and that the Fates turned them to stones. As they were no longer part of the heavenly body, they would still never perish.

A very grounding stone, Onyx is beneficial for those to be thought flighty by nature, or one who is having difficulty concentrating or focusing one’s attention. A strengthening stone that may assist one in the approach to a lesson or task with greater self confidence and determination.

A wonderful stone for anyone that is under extreme mental or emotional stress, bringing balance to body and strength and harmony to the mind. Thought to increase intuition, instinct, and happiness, as well as decreasing sexual desire when it comes with negative energy or habitual nature. Onyx is said to banish grief, enhance self-control, stimulate the power of wise decision making, as well as to assist one in absorbing the energies of the universe that one most requires.

Learn more about the Color Black!

The healing energies of Onyx must be developed over a period of time, in direct contact with the kind or worn for a longer period of time.

Known to be particularly helpful with skin ailments, fungal infections, and healing infected wounds. It is also helpful with inflammation, especially when one has been sunburned.

An Onyx elixir may be prepared by soaking stone in water overnight, preferably in moonlight. Then pat the affected skin with the elixir several times a day, and cover with an Onyx water compress at night.

Onyx should be discharged once a week under running water. And if used extensively or over a long period of time, placing it in the earth overnight once a month will help to regenerate it’s powers and keep it’s energy strong.

Energy: Projective
Element: Fire
Planet: Saturn
Deities: Mars & Hel
Powers: Protection & Defensive Magic
Candle Color: White

Ancient magic lore tells a tale that in times long past the Onyx was thought to be the manifestation of a demon within a stone. Legend says that the demon would awaken in the night and spread nightmares and terror to anyone within it’s range of influence.

Perhaps it is due to this story that illuminates the fact that since the days of antiquity, the Onyx has been used for protection against black magic, as well as defensive magic when one has negativity directed towards them.

Assisting one to gain emotional balance and self control, as it carries the added benefit of balancing the male/female polarities within one. This is quite a powerful stone for one to use in divination rituals, whether for protection or otherwise.

Zodiac Stone of: Capricorn

Associations: Earth

Birthstone: Mystical Birthstone for December, Ancient Birthstone for July, Talisman Stone for Capricorn, and Anniversary Stone for the 7th Year

To dream of Onyx signifies a happy life with a suitable companion.

Primarily Onyx is associated with the 1st, Root/Base Chakra, assisting one with challenges in life, especially those caused by a drain of one’s energy. Onyx will assist one in removing tethers, as well as protecting one from attachment in the future. Grounding and then controlling or eliminating excess or unwanted energies, Onyx will keep any energy vampires at bay.

White Onyx on the other hand is associated with directly linking the 1st, Root/Base Chakra with the 7th, Crown Chakra to balance, align and center the entire chakra system allowing one to attain their higher powers.

Information Sources:
The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall, 2003
Love Is In The Earth by Melody, 1997
Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith, PhD, 2000
Crystal Enchantments by D.J. Conway, 1999
Smithsonian Handbooks Gemstones by Cally Hall, 1994
Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham, 2002
Chakra Healing & Karmic Awareness by Keith Sherwood, 2005
Jewelry & Gems for Self-Discovery by Shakti Carola Navran, 2008
The Illustrated Directory of Crystal Healing by Cassandra Eason, 2003
Gemstone Energy Medicine Healing Body, Mind and Spirit by Michael Katz, 2005
Healing Crystals and Gemstones by Dr. Flora Peschek-Bohmer, Gisela Schrieber, 2002
Personal Experience and Personal Accounts of Others In the Metaphysical Field of Work

The information here is presented to you to use as you see fit, but is not to take the place of professional medical advice. Crystals, Gemstones and Metal can accent, help, negate, protect, encourage, strengthen, and balance and thereby promote healing. Their effects can be extraordinary, but use in addition to medical advice, and not as a substitute for proper care. If you are ill, we beseech you to seek professional medical attention from a qualified physician.