The Metaphysical Site

Other Colored Gemstones Unknown To the World-VIII

Onyx

Onyx has derived its name through Latin from Greek onyx. It means ‘claw’ or ‘fingernail’. Unlike the characteristic belief carried by almost all gemstones, onyx is not a good-willed mineral crystal.

This quartz crystal is rich in mythological info too. It is believed not suitable to young lovers. Wearing this gem quality would disrupt love life of a person increasing a discord amongst two people. Bringing a strong hatred among friends, it could bring bad dreams and sleep-breaks to the possessor.

Its hardness falls on 7 Mohs’ on scale. Its fair durability makes it a favorite amongst cutters. Beautiful specimens of onyx carved jewelry have been seen since ancient times. Available in splendid color bands of white, tan, and brown, this interesting stuff is seen banded semi translucent to opaque.

Straight type bands are seen in onyx whereas curved banding is seen in another variant of quartz. It is known as agate. Today, most often, chalcedony is dyed black, and used as “black onyxâ€.

Obsidian

Can a volcanic waste material be treated like a gemstone? Yes, it’s possible as obsidian. Obsidian is actually the outcome of a cooled off highly viscous volcanic lava flow.

It is not any mineral type but a polymerized glass which is dark in color. Appearing in a semi translucent to opaque glass, it reflects colors like black, gray, dark green, red, yellow and pink. There is a smoky brown effect in the igneous rock too.

It is quite a fragile one with hardness of 5Mohs’ on scale. Another variety known as snowflake obsidian displays white spots which resemble snowflakes combined to each other. It is actually white radially accumulated crystals of cristobalite in the black glass. Another interesting variety is a pattern of a golden shine or rainbow sheen. This is the result of the gas bubbles remaining from the lava flow before being cooled.

Obsidian’s molecular sharpness at the edges has been a very useful feature for early men. In Stone Age, it was an effective weapon to hunt. It was used as sharp blade to cut or arrowheads. Also, used to polish mirrors.

The above talked precious gemstones have been known for years. However, as ages passed they lost their populace according to fashion and demand.

Nevertheless, time always changes. The prophecy is that they are sure going to make a comeback this season in the form of fashionable gateways.

Gemstone Rings, Gemstone Earrings and Gemstone Pendants at angara.com

About the Author

Jewelry is not just in writing but a fascination for me. I grew into it since the day I started my research. There is a lot that one needs to know about jewelry simply because they are so valuable that you cannot afford to miss a single bit. My alliance with online gemstone and jewelry selling website enables me to bring you the best of jewelry fashion and jewelry education.

Do you know your gemstones?

I have a large collection. A lot of these stones i only know are Jasper and Agate...but as to what types of Jasper and agate I haven't a clue.

I know exactly how you feel! Especially since there are SO many types of jaspers, and agates...I have been doing a lot of research for that exact reason, and while I may not be able to help with every single one, hopefully I can identify at least some of them for you. Feel free to mail me if you wish. Hopefully if thee are some I can't identify, someone else will be able to!
Tam

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