Onyx

The very popular black gemstone onyx is a variety of chalcedony, so basically a quartz. There is a direct mineral relationship with the agate, which, however, is always multicolored. The exact identification of an onyx is very difficult for laymen, since there are similar agates, in which the coveted black color character was achieved by staining. Most real onyx stones show through natural black and white layers. Onyx grows in layers, which is why you call this gemstone correctly “layer stone”. He has a natural silk gloss or wax gloss. Very beautiful pieces of jewelry with onyx are coming from the Victorian era, e.g. earrings with onyx drops, chains and larger rings with polished onyx plate.