About Onyx
Onyx is a stone of strength, protection and self-control, used for staying grounded through stressful changes.
Favored for staying grounded during stressful transitions.
History & folklore
Onyx's name comes from the Greek onyx, 'fingernail', from a myth about Cupid trimming Venus's nails while she slept. Romans carved it into cameos and seals. It was a popular stone in Victorian mourning jewellery.
Correspondences
- Traditional uses
- Protection, strength, self-control
- Colour
- Black (often banded)
- Hardness
- 6.5–7 (Mohs)
- Element
- Earth
- Chakra
- Root
- Best day
- Saturday or Thursday
- Moon phase
- Waning moon — for protection, clearing and letting go
- Intentions
- Protection
Ways to work with it
- Carry it during stressful transitions.
- Keep it on your desk for self-discipline.
- Place it by the door for protection.
Where it comes from
Onyx is a banded chalcedony found in Brazil, India and Madagascar. Almost all black onyx is dyed agate.
Care & safety
Durable. Most black onyx is dyed agate.
Spells to try
Pairs well with
JetProtection, grounding, mourning
AmberProtection, healing, luck
TurquoiseProtection, healing, communication
PeridotAbundance, protection, releasing negativityCorrespondences are traditional associations gathered from folk practice and modern craft books. They vary between sources, and they are not medical advice. Read our editorial approach.