Striking in its often deep black hue, though it can also occur in bands of black and white (known as sardonyx), Onyx is a microcrystalline quartz variety belonging to the chalcedony family. Its name originates from the Greek word "onyx," meaning "claw" or "fingernail," possibly referring to its sharp edges when broken or its resemblance to the color of a fingernail. The uniform black variety is perhaps the most well-known, but banded forms showcase layers of contrasting colors, creating a unique visual appeal. Major deposits of Onyx are found in India, Brazil, Mexico, and the United States. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, Onyx is a relatively durable gemstone suitable for various jewellery applications. Its lustre is typically vitreous (glassy), and it is generally opaque, though thinner slices can exhibit some translucency. Onyx boasts a long and significant history, having been used by ancient civilizations for carving seals, cameos, beads, and jewellery. Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all valued Onyx for its beauty and believed it possessed protective properties. It was a popular material for signet rings, as wax would not stick to it easily, making it ideal for imprinting seals. Symbolically, Onyx is often associated with strength, protection, willpower, discipline, and grounding. It is believed to absorb negative energy and promote emotional stability. Caring for Onyx is relatively straightforward due to its durability.