By Chisom Ibemere
Onyx is a variety of Chalcedony, a silicate minerals with a parrlel band. It is differented with Agate mineral only in the form of band, while Onyx is known with a parallel band, Agate has curved band. Onyx band has black or/and white.
Onyx, a gemstone is widely spread across the regions of the world which include the Yemen, Greece, Argentina, Canada, China, Latin America, Parkistan, Madagascar but majorly found in India and South America.
Black Onyx is the most popular and Sardonyx is a variation of Onyx with coloured bands. Onyx is flexible and formed from the deposit of Calcite in translucent layers.
Onyx has been used in a variety of ways. It was used in ancient times in hardstone carving and Jewelry. They were used together with other gemstones in making inlays, bowls, cups and seals. Onyx was used as shields, sword and armor in battle due to the belief that it has the ability to give protection.
