Onyx: Meaning, Healing Properties and more

September 18, 2024

Countries of origin: Italy, Mexico, United States, Russia, Brazil, South Africa

Hardness on Mohs scale: 6.5-7

Rarity: Readily available

Zodiac Signs: Leo, Capricorn

Chakras: Root

Planet: Saturn

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Onyx meaning

Onyx is a variety of chalcedony, a microcrystalline form of quartz. It is known for its banded or layered appearance.

Here are some of the common meanings and properties associated with onyx:

Strength and Power: Onyx is often associated with strength, power, and willpower. It is believed to help individuals overcome challenges, build self-confidence, and achieve their goals.
Groundedness and Stability: Onyx is thought to promote groundedness and stability, helping individuals feel more centered and balanced.
Protection: Many people believe that onyx can offer protection against negative energies and influences.
Focus and Concentration: Onyx is often associated with focus, concentration, and decision-making.
Self-Control: It is believed to help individuals develop self-control and discipline.

Onyx is a popular choice for jewellery and other decorative items due to its durability and striking appearance. It is also used in healing and meditation practices.

What does onyx look like?

Onyx typically appears as a banded or layered stone, often in shades of black and white. However, it can also be found in other colours, such as brown, red, and green. The bands can vary in width and intensity, creating unique patterns. Raw and tumbled onyx

What is onyx used for?

Onyx has been used for various purposes throughout history, including:

Jewellery: Its durability, beauty, and often dark colour make it a popular choice for rings, pendants, bracelets, and other jewellery items.
Ornaments and Sculptures: Onyx has been used to create intricate carvings, sculptures, and decorative objects.
Tools and Weapons: In ancient times, onyx was used to make tools and weapons due to its hardness.
Healing and Meditation: Many people believe that onyx can promote strength, grounding, and protection. It is often used in healing and meditation practices.
Decorative Objects: Onyx is used to create decorative items such as paperweights, bookends, and coasters.

Cleansing and charging onyx

All crystals should be cleansed when you first get them and then regularly after that. They should also be charged to keep them at their full power.

Two of the most common ways to cleanse crystals is with water and with sunlight.

Can onyx get wet?

Yes, onyx can generally get wet. It is a relatively durable stone and can withstand exposure to water. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Avoid harsh chemicals: While onyx can tolerate water, it's best to avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, such as bleach or chlorine. These can damage the stone's surface or colour.
Dry it thoroughly: After getting wet, it's important to dry onyx thoroughly to prevent water stains or damage.
Avoid prolonged exposure: While onyx is durable, prolonged exposure to water or moisture can potentially affect its appearance or properties over time.

Can onyx go in sunlight?

Yes, onyx can generally go in sunlight. It is a relatively durable stone and can withstand exposure to sunlight. However, prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can cause the colour of some onyx varieties, especially those with lighter hues, to fade over time.

If you're concerned about the colour fading, it's best to avoid leaving your onyx in direct sunlight for extended periods. Instead, store it in a cool, dark place when not in use.

For a more comprehensive guide check out this blog post: How to Cleanse and Charge Crystals

Onyx healing properties

Physical healing properties

Strength and Stamina: Onyx is believed to enhance physical strength and stamina.Emotional and mental healing properties

Emotional and mental healing properties

Self-Control and Discipline: Onyx is often associated with self-control and discipline, helping individuals overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Focus and Concentration: It's believed to enhance focus, concentration, and decision-making.

Metaphysical healing properties

Groundedness and Stability: Onyx is thought to promote groundedness and stability, helping individuals feel more centered and balanced.
Protection: Many believe that onyx can offer protection against negative energies and influences.

Affirmations for onyx

Affirmations are a great tool to use alongside crystals. They can be used to set your intention and further personalise your journey of healing and growth. Firstly, decide which of the many properties of onyx you feel is needed in your life at this current time. Next, write down your affirmation as if it has already happening, in the present tense. Remember your affirmation must be positive, for example rather than "My mind wonders" instead say "I stay focused easily".

Here are some examples you can use:

Where do you put onyx in your home?

The placement of onyx in your home can depend on your specific intentions and the energy you want to attract. Here are some common suggestions:

Entryway: To welcome positive energy and protect your home.
Bedroom: For restful sleep and grounded energy.
Home office: To enhance focus, concentration, and decision-making.
Living room: To promote strength, stability, and protection in your home's main living area.

You can also place onyx in specific areas of your home based on the feng shui principles. For example, placing it in the north corner of your home is believed to enhance career and reputation.

Ultimately, the best place to put onyx is where it feels right to you. Trust your intuition and choose a location that resonates with you.

What chakra is onyx good for?

Onyx is often associated with the base chakra. The base chakra, also known as the Muladhara chakra, is located at the base of the spine and is associated with grounding, stability, and survival instincts.

It's believed that onyx can help to open and balance the base chakra, promoting feelings of groundedness, security, and vitality. It may also aid in overcoming fears and building self-confidence.

How to use onyx

Onyx can be used in an area of your house or placed within your energy field.

To be within your energy field a crystal can be:

Placed near you
In your pocket, wallet, purse or bag
Worn as jewellery or an accessory

The crystal’s energy will now be working to heal, improve your life.

Another option is to meditate with onyx. You can either place it on one of your chakras or hold it in your hands. This is especially powerful if you have a particular healing property you wish to receive.