Identification

• Black onyx is a form of fine-textured quartz. According to the gemstone glossary on the website of Bernardine Fine Art Jewelry, pure black onyx is the most common and famous variety of this stone, but it can be streaked with other colors (in which case it is called sardonyx). Black onyx can be used for hard stone carvings, jewelry, beads or simple gems.
  
  

Astrology

• Onyx is the mystical birthstone for the month of December and for the zodiac sign of Leo. The stone is associated with Saturn, and those born under the sign of Capricorn are said to benefit from wearing onyx.
  
  

History

• The Greek word "onyx" means claw or fingernails. Bernardine Fine Art Jewelry reports that, according to mythology, onyx came from the fingernails of the goddess Venus, which were turned to stone when Cupid cut them while she slept.
  
  

Healing Properties

• In crystal lore, black onyx is said to increase regeneration, happiness, intuition and instincts. According to the website Beyond the Rainbow, onyx also helps keep people from being overwhelmed by feelings of love, allowing them to stop clinging to past relationships.
  
  

Fun Fact

• "The Black Onyx" was the name of a popular computer game in Japan. Released in 1984, it was one of the first Japanese-language role-playing games ever made and had a big influence on the form, according to Wired magazine.