

Science & History of Onyx Stone
Onyx is more than a merely beautiful black gemstone. It is a form of chalcedony, a type of microcrystalline quartz. What makes onyx unique is its appearance. Appearances can be deceptive, of course, and most of us have been fooled by a tree’s shadow or by sunlight catching a bird’s feather. But the appearance of onyx is something we should at least appreciate correctly. These bands are usually black and white, though natural onyx can also appear in shades of brown, red, or even green.
Since ancient times, onyx has been a favourite stone for the Greeks and Romans. The name “onyx” is from the Greek word for “claw” or “fingernail”, which might seem strange until you look closely at the stone’s appearance, particularly the milky white streaks and layers. In Roman culture, soldiers carried amulets made from onyx that were engraved with Mars, the war god, in the belief that the stone would give them courage in battle. Cleopatra was said to wear onyx to attract love and protect her from negative energy.
Onyx Stone Benefits: How to Use It
Onyx is believed to absorb and transform negative energy. Wearing onyx can feel like grounding yourself after a turbulent day. It’s worn for protection; many wear it as a pendant or bracelet. But onyx isn’t good for just one thing; it’s good for a whole bunch of reasons.
If you aim to have better focus at work, put a polished onyx stone on your work desk. If you’re practicing meditation, hold a tumbled onyx in your palm to enhance your concentration and calm your mind. Some even use onyx during yoga sessions to help ground and centre their energy. Whether worn or placed in your space, onyx is more useful than it first appears.
Usage | Description |
---|---|
Work Focus | Place a polished onyx stone on your work desk to enhance focus. |
Meditation | Hold a tumbled onyx in your palm to improve concentration and calm your mind. |
Yoga & Energy Grounding | Use onyx during yoga sessions to help ground and centre your energy. |

Onyx Stone Spiritual Properties
Onyx is often described, even spiritually, as a stone of strength and stability. And I think this is a good basis to start with, given how onyx is used and what it’s associated with. To begin with, onyx is a beneficial stone for lightweight strength. It’s not a very hard crystal, ranking around a 7 on the Mohs scale (where diamond is a 10, and talc is a 1), and so it’s not used in anything demanding. Yet it’s found in many places and in many pieces, working as a good filler stone that can be polished up to a shiny finish.
Numerous energy healers endorse the use of onyx for individuals dealing with grief, the end of a relationship, or general emotional exhaustion. It is believed to help one let go of past trauma and to support the making of decisions that one can confidently call wise. Is onyx magic? It may not enchant you, but many people say wearing or carrying it regularly makes them feel grounded and energised.
Spiritual Use | Benefit |
---|---|
Grief & Emotional Exhaustion | Helps individuals dealing with grief or emotional exhaustion. |
Trauma Healing | Assists in letting go of past trauma and supports wise decision-making. |
Grounding & Energizing | Provides a sense of grounding and energy to those wearing or carrying it regularly. |

Typical Worth of Onyx Stone
You could ask: is onyx pricey? The answer is somewhat shocking—black onyx is actually one of the more cost-effective semi-precious stones available. Quality and cut aside, onyx’s price per carat is generally reasonable, anywhere from about $1 to $10. If we’re talking about designer pieces or vintage jewellery, though, that’s a different story—those kinds of onyx might be more in demand and therefore pricier.
When purchasing onyx, remember that it is very common to find dyed black onyx. If you wish to obtain natural, untreated black onyx, be sure to get the details from your seller. If you want to see what high-quality onyx looks like, refer to these cabochon cuts. They emphasise the smooth, deep colour of the stone—almost as if you’re gazing into it. Even on a budget, these pieces are affordable, and you may find one that suits you.

Crystal Pairings
If you’re curious about which crystals work best with onyx, here’s one powerful combination. Onyx and clear quartz combine to provide protection and clarity. The clear quartz amplifies the onyx’s stabilising effects, creating a shield for mental clarity and emotional grounding.
Onyx and rose quartz are a powerful combination for emotional healing. Rose quartz tones down the intensity of onyx, pouring out pure, soft, and gentle loving energy—just what kind of energy you need for emotional healing, especially if you’re experiencing heartbreak or stress. Are you in need of something to cleanse your energy? Perhaps you’re seeking spiritual protection. Try onyx with selenite.
Onyx Stone is Used in Talismans and Amulets
The onyx gemstone has occupied a unique place in human history, extending far beyond its recognition today as simply a beautiful black stone. In ancient Persia and Greece, the onyx warrior carried an amulet engraved with “Mars,” the god of war, and so he was endowed with courage and strength in battle. And still some believe its protective properties are so potent that they wear onyx close to the skin. But what might describe its unusual and enduring appeal?
Many believe that onyx acts as a shield, absorbing and transforming negative energy. Unlike stones that simply “block” bad vibes, onyx is said to absorb emotional toxins and transmute them into grounding energy. This capacity makes it ideal for anyone navigating stress, emotional trauma, or decision-making under pressure.
I know crystal-adoring friends who take onyx everywhere. For them, it’s an essential—you-can’t-find-me-in-public-without-a-power-crystal kind of item. They firmly believe in its benefits, and truly, who can definitively say whether a crystal’s energy might assist with public speaking? Anyway, I thought about onyx when

Using Onyx Stone in Feng Shui
Onyx has a unique function in Feng Shui that is especially important in modern homes, where the energy flow can be disrupted by electronics and too much “stuff.” Black onyx is associated with the Water element, which stands for wisdom; it’s also related to mystery and stillness. If you want your space to invite more reflection and help you hold it together in an inner sense of stability, onyx may be just the stone you need.
Consider the use of onyx in the North sector of your home or office to boost career energy. Or use it at any entrance to create a protective portal—an onyx doorman, if you will. I have a polished sphere of onyx on my desk, which serves as a thoughtful anchor on days when my brain is racing. Altogether, these are great reasons to get your hands on (or near) some onyx in whatever form. If you go the sphere route, consider this: in feng shui, a sphere is said to represent the heavens.
In contrast to certain high-vibration crystals, onyx operates at a slower, more subdued pace. Its modus operandi is not one of effecting instant change but of cultivating an energetic resilience that can last a lifetime.
Cleansing Onyx Stone
Caring for onyx to maintain its vibrational clarity is like caring for any crystal. Here’s the catch, though: onyx is an energy-absorbing crystal that tends to saturate quickly. I carried the same onyx worry stone for a few weeks during a tough time—and I felt its heaviness when it was saturated.
When it comes to onyx purification, running water does the best job. If you really want to cleanse your onyx, it must be immersed under cool, natural running water. Imagining the negativity absorbed by the stone leaching out is a wonderful and mindful way to take advantage of this simple yet effective method. However, if you cannot manage to be by a river or other natural water source, there are alternatives.
Refrain from using saltwater—onyx is a comparatively soft stone (Mohs 6.5–7), and salt can mar its surface. If you’re in doubt, remember this rule: treat your stone as you would something of immense value that took a long time to create.
Cleansing Method Table
Method | Description |
---|---|
Running Water | Immerse the stone under cool, natural running water. |
Avoid Saltwater | Salt can damage onyx’s surface due to its softness. |

Charging Onyx Stone
Clearing is only half the work. After being cleared, onyx needs to be charged with fresh energy. Onyx prefers the gentle illumination of moonlight, unlike solar stones like citrine, which are best energised in full sunlight. It especially loves to be moonlit during the new or full moon. Placing it on a windowsill overnight can do wonders for the stone.
Is there another effective method? Use it alongside a high-energy crystal such as selenite or clear quartz. These “master chargers” help reset the onyx without throwing it off balance. I frequently set my onyx in a crystal bowl and surround it with tumbled quartz—kind of like giving it a spa treatment.
You are also able to fill it with your intention. Hold the stone in your hand, shut your eyes, and utter a clear affirmation: “I am protected. I am grounded. I walk in strength.” Words possess power; your energy—with the stone as a conduit—is what activates it.
Charging Method Table
Method | Description |
---|---|
Moonlight | Charge the onyx by placing it on a windowsill during the new or full moon. |
High-Energy Crystals | Use alongside selenite or clear quartz for an energetic boost. |

Questions and Answers
Additional Facts About Onyx
Black Onyx Spiritual Meaning
Black Onyx is a potent stone frequently connected to protection and grounding. It is considered to be spiritually strong and good at receiving negative energies and sending back only positive energies. Many people use Black Onyx when they want to experience meditation at a much deeper level, particularly when they are seeking emotional healing and strength. The dark black colour of the stone symbolises stability and resilience, making it an ideal ally for individuals attempting to overcome stress or emotional trauma.
Raw Onyx
Onyx, in its natural and unpolished state, can be said to hold a very unique energy that is difficult to find in its polished counterpart. While polished Onyx is often used for carving or as a decorative object, each piece of raw Onyx is layered in a way that makes it impossible to reproduce exactly another piece, not only because of the visible geological features that make each piece unique but also because polished surfaces are often misleading when it comes to connecting with the true essence of the stone. If you’re seeking a piece of Onyx that does a better job of embodying the energies of the polished stone infused with lots of Earth energy, then raw is definitely the way to go. And if you’re doing any work with energy, be it magical or otherwise, you’re best served by the piece of Onyx that is naturally ground and not artificially infused with the energies of those doing the polishing.
Raw Onyx Properties
Property | Description |
---|---|
Energy | Strong, grounded, Earth energy |
Authenticity | Unique, cannot be replicated |
Use | Ideal for energy work and emotional healing |
Onyx Stone Cost
The Onyx stone has a cost that can vary depending on factors like size, quality, and origin. Generally, Onyx is an affordable gemstone compared to other crystals; prices range from $5 to $50 per carat. High-quality pieces, especially those that are polished and intricately cut, may cost more. For example, a large, beautifully polished Black Onyx stone may fetch a higher price than a raw piece. While Onyx is relatively inexpensive, its powerful spiritual properties make it a valuable addition to any crystal collection. Always consider the quality and authenticity of the stone before making a purchase.
Onyx Stone Price Range
Type | Price Range |
---|---|
Raw Onyx | $5 – $25 per carat |
Polished Onyx | $25 – $50 per carat |
White Onyx Pearl
White Onyx Pearl is a rare and lovely type of Onyx that is very much prized for its refined look. The stone has a soft, almost lustrous, pearly quality and is often used in jewellery—like necklaces and rings. White Onyx Pearl symbolises purity and clarity of thought, as close as one can get in this world. It is believed to help with aura cleansing, to help one get over some supposedly emotionally difficult challenge, or to help assist a kind of growth spurt in someone who is allegedly always on the edge of becoming better. Most evidently, White Onyx Pearl encourages meditation and fabulous balance in living.
Blue Onyx Spiritual Meaning
Blue Onyx is a stone that induces soothing and calmness. It is associated with the throat chakra, making it a perfect choice for those seeking to better their communication and self-expression.
“Communicating effectively and honestly is critical, especially in relationships. Mediaris says any oomph we can give to the throat chakra to ease and clear mental blockages is very much welcomed.
The blue colour of the stone is also quite calming; hence, it could be a great stone to have if you’re looking to reduce stress and anxiety.