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Onyx: Meanings, Properties and Powers

Onyx: Meanings, Properties and Powers

Spiritual Meaning Of Onyx

Onyx is believed to be a stone of protection and strength. It is said to help its wearer stay grounded and focused, and to provide support in difficult times.

Onyx is also thought to be helpful in overcoming addictions or bad habits.

In general, Onyx is associated with the root chakra, which is believed to be the energy center that governs our sense of safety and security.

Onyx is the “Gem of Saturn.” Saturn is the planet of Karma, which is the ruler of the universal law of cause and effect.

Every effect you see in your outside or “physical” world has been triggered by a particular cause, created by your mental or inner world.

Every thought, word, or action of you (the “cause”), has set into motion a specific series of manifestations that have materialized into your reality over time, called the “effect.”

The energy you put in is the energy you will receive in return, “good” or “bad.”

That is the concept of Karma.

Because of Karma, you may have harsh lessons to learn in your current reincarnation, due to the actions you took in your previous lives.

In the hope of clearing away negative past karmic actions, one can choose to take positive actions in their current life, eventually setting your soul free from this karmic cycle, balancing out yin and yang energies, and clearing your slate for good!

This freedom will be the start to understanding your life’s purpose, the reason for your current reincarnation, and the work you have come to do now. 

Onyx, is a secretive stone, known for storing a lot of old memories. It is the perfect stone to clear away bad Karma and heal from grief and sorrow.

Black Onyx can be used to do past-life regression healing work, access your Akashic Records, and bring awareness to what karmic patterns and behaviors need to be cleared.

This realization will set forth your Dharma, the future virtues, actions you must take now to be in harmony with cosmic law and order.

Only your conscious can be the judgment of this unspoken law called Dharma, the life you create for yourself and what you believe to be the right way of living. This is your choice.

As a black stone, Onyx holds a lot of connections to our Earth.

There is a lot of protective energy within black stones because there is no light within them.

This protection will shield your aura from any negative energy surrounding you, particularly from those energy vampires, who always seem to drain you.

It’s able to absorb this energy and transmute it into the Earth’s energy.

This will fortify your emotional and physical stamina, which can be helpful in times of stress and grief.

In Arabic, the word for Onyx also means “sadness,” which perfectly describes the energy that Onyx can offer you, absorbing your pain and sorrow. 

In essence, Onyx is the master stone to work with for really understanding your Karma, Dharma, and Moksha.

Moksha means liberation from the cycle of Samsara, the period of birth, death, and rebirth, leading to a life of perfect bliss.

When you achieve Moksha, you will be able to feel a greater connection to the divine.

The meaning and powers of Onyx.

Properties Of Onyx

Physical Properties of Onyx

Onyx is a Chalcedony, which is a variety of microcrystalline Quartz. It is formed when silica is deposited in lava gas cavities.

This results in the unique bands or stripes that Onyx stones usually exhibit.

Onyx is often a black stone, but there are also Onyx stones that are brown, pink, red, and green. There are also colorless Onyx stones.

The banding in onyx is white and is usually just straight lines. Onyx stones are also sometimes dyed to change or improve their color.

It’s an excellent stone for carving because it has a hardness of 6.5 on the Mohs scale.

The name Onyx comes from the Greek word ‘onux,’ which means claw or fingernail because the veins found on the stone look very much like the colors of a fingernail.

Onyx is found in Mexico, the USA, Peru, Madagascar, India, Afghanistan, and Brazil.

Raw Rough Black Onyx Stone
Raw Black Onyx stone.

Metaphysical Properties of Onyx

Some people use Onyx to decrease lovemaking desires and get rid of bad habits. It is also known to help you in taking charge of your destiny and guarding you against negativity.

Having a piece of this stone helps you settle disagreements and dispel excess energies.

Some people also use Onyx to help them recover from a failed relationship or move on from unrequited love.

In the Middle East, this stone is used as a worry stone. Rubbing it between the fingers helps in overcoming strong and conflicting emotions.

In India, Onyx is used to ward off the evil eye. It is believed that wearing this stone can help absorb and soften emotional intensity and sharpen the wits.

On a physical level, Onyx is believed to increase physical stamina and strengthen the kidneys, heart, eyes, and nerves. This stone is also known to help with childbirth.

Some people who are undergoing drug or alcohol rehab carry Onyx with them for mental strength and physical self-control.

It’s often used by psychically gifted people to protect themselves and their loved ones from harmful spells.

Onyx has been used to make handles and bases for gold items and for inlay work.

This stone can point out your moods and habits and let you know what things you could improve.

Its healing energies can bring attention to your personal issues.

Onyx creatively suggests ways to resolve your issues and gives you the strength to make the necessary changes.

If you have a piece of Onyx stone, sit quietly and calmly with it. It will help you gain a new perspective on things.

Onyx is an excellent stone for people looking for support, stability, and focus when it comes to changing bad habits.

Onyx is relatively inexpensive, so you will not have any problems building your Onyx collection!

Raw Onyx

Varieties Of Onyx

Today, there are varieties of Onyx that are banded and color brown, reddish-brown, and white.

Most Onyx stones that are available today are enhanced to increase their color depth. They are often dyed to achieve a uniform color or heat-treated to bring out a more intense color.

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Many of these Onyx stones have their natural colors artificially enhanced. While this does nothing to diminish their innate energies, it luckily also doesn’t skew them into vibrations symbolized by specific colors either.

Whatever kind of healing properties you are looking for: you can find them in any color of this stone that you choose to welcome into your crystal collection.

You’ll find that the values of protection, confidence, and clarity this crystal promises you always are present!

Polished Tumbled Black Onyx Stone
Polished Black Onyx.

The Powers Of Onyx

There’s a wholeness to Onyx that brings out your strength and determination. With its powers, you will feel invincible and you will feel like you can achieve anything!

Black Onyx is an excellent stone to get rid of negative perceptions. It will help you in letting the world see a different side of you.

A side that will shut down all the negative things that people say about you.

This stone will give you the guidance to achieve all your goals and to accomplish your tasks.

Onyx will draw in happiness and satisfaction, and it will release you from the pain of your emotional wounds.

It will amplify the greatness of your gifts. And it will infuse you with the wisdom that you need to make the best decisions.

Physical Healing Powers

Black Onyx is known to be very useful in improving the condition of the kidneys, the eyes, and the hair.

It’s also said to be effective in reducing a pregnant woman’s labor pains and in having a quick and easy delivery.

The healing powers of Onyx are beneficial to those who suffer from bone marrow diseases, as well as bone, teeth, and soft tissue disorders.

It can also help with epilepsy and glaucoma. Onyx is known to have healing properties that can help repair the damage done to cells and even help you lose weight.

Kids experiencing growing pains can benefit from the influence of this crystal as well as older people looking to soothe aching joints or muscles.

More athletes than you might expect to seek to keep Onyx or other healing crystals close at hand to help their bodies recover from being pushed to their limits!

You’ll find that Onyx can emit these healing vibrations and energies just by being close by. However, some people prefer to hold their stone lightly against an afflicted area of themselves or their loved ones.

Don’t be afraid to experiment in order to find the solution that works best for you.

Black Onyx can improve the functions of the nerves and boost the sensory organs, especially ones associated with the ears.

This stone is believed to improve hearing, too. And it can help in the treatment of diseases or problems of the inner ear.

Onyx can strengthen the immune system and help you make a full and fast recovery from sickness.

This stone can also help prevent relapses.

It can be beneficial in the elimination of wastes and in the absorption of nutrients. Onyx can also be used to stimulate cell regeneration.

Emotional Healing Powers

Black Onyx can however not only heal you physically. It can also help your mental, emotional and spiritual health.

And they have more of an effect on our physical health than we often realize. There is lots of scientific evidence backing up how things like stress and anxiety can mess with our physical well-being.

Onyx’s healing powers will help you move on from feelings of grief, sorrow, or depression. It will give you emotional healing, and it will infuse you with feelings of hope and positivity.

Onyx will fill you with energies of confidence that will improve your ability to face people, speak in front of a large crowd, and convincingly express what you feel.

This will significantly improve how you relate to people and how you leave your mark on them.

Black Onyx will bring you restful and pure energies. It will soothe your worries, remove your fears, and ease your tensions.

During really busy and crazy days, the warmth that you will feel from this stone will reassure you that everything will be okay.

This stone will also give you strong support when you’re experiencing difficulties in your personal or professional life.

Onyx For Protection

Onyx is a strong and protective stone that will help you when you’re facing your adversaries in any kind of conflict.

It will act as a protective stone that can deflect any threat or negative energy aimed at you. It will also show you how you can master your destiny.

What powers does Onyx have for the less confident or assertive ones of us? The good news is that it won’t make you easily agitated. It will not make you someone who goes out and bullies and belittles others or seeks petty revenge on them.

Instead, Onyx will crystallize your sense of self to such a degree that you’ll see other peoples’ critiques and mean-spirited ways for what they are: them acting out based on perspectives that don’t necessarily match your own.

You may even find that you’re able to explain your side of the story more effectively with this stone at your side. You’ll not take no for an answer if someone isn’t pulling their weight or giving you their dues!

Onyx And Wealth

Onyx is known to attract energies of good fortune, abundance, and prosperity to its owner.

It will support you during financially challenging times and allow you to have a sharp focus to make good decisions.

Having that clear-headedness is essential in high-pressure business settings. It helps ambitious people not to be taken advantage of by less scrupulous traders and dealers.

And in times when you need to save money, Onyx can help you see the bigger picture, and to trust the process.

Though a pauper today, you’ll be a princess tomorrow if you follow up on your vision!

This stone will center your energies during trying times, and it will help you let go of physical and mental stress. It will help you turn the negative experiences into something positive.

Onyx, Love And Relationships

Onyx is a beautiful and soothing gemstone that is full of energies of love, affection, and friendship. It’s also known to enhance your sensuality!

Onyx will help you control and manage your sexual impulses.

Red Onyx is especially sought after for that purpose. The color red has connotations of passion and direct action that can lead to unforeseen consequences.

However, taking a moment to calm down with Red Onyx or any other color of this stone can help to ground you in the moment. And it helps you to understand these more primal impulses for what they are: intense yet ultimately animalistic urges that you can rise above. At least, until the joyous moment of release!

If a loved one feels pressured into being intimate for the sake of the other, Onyx can help to even things out while not leaving either party wanting or feeling rejected.

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It will help you strike a healthy balance that will not make you and your partner feel deprived or depleted.

It will promote harmonious relationships and keep away temptations, disturbances, and disagreements.

When there’s a threat on the horizon, the energies of Onyx will protect your relationship and strengthen your commitment to each other.

Onyx will provide order and structure so that you will never feel lost or confused.

It will help you stay organized. And it will give you a clear handle on things when it comes to your relationship.

This stone will make you believe in destiny and serendipity, and all other things romantic and beautiful.

It will infuse your relationship with old-fashioned romance! Onyx will boost your confidence as a romantic and sexual partner.

You will be feeling desirable, attractive, and beautiful, and this will carry over to the bedroom, too!

That’s because Black Onyx carries with it a sense of inner confidence and a great deal of “get up and go”. All things that can’t help but enhance your love life.

So often, a significant number of issues in terms of intimacy and being confident with one’s lover come down to having belief in oneself.

To that end, Onyx can help you a great deal. It will empower you to put your best foot forward and see your romantic life with an upbeat outlook.

It will get rid of feelings of despondency, abandonment, or sadness. And it will make you more secure in your love and in your relationship.

Even if you are going through a rough patch, it will give you no reason to doubt how your partner feels about you.

This stone will stabilize your moods so that you will no longer be quick to anger.

You will have more patience, and you will be more understanding. Onyx’s energies will also reunite separated lovers and restore the love that was lost.

It will promote honesty and respect between you and your partner. It will also promote the strength of character!

Onyx will encourage you to settle down and put down roots because of its strong and stabilizing energies.

It will give you a meaningful existence and bring you lasting happiness, security, and stability in your marriage or relationship.

Onyx’s powers can do so much to help a relationship flourish. It is reminding everyone that short-term thrills are lovely, for sure. But they should not always come at the expense of long-term goals or ambitions.

If you or your partner often run afoul of your impulses, or actions keep being taken that disrupt the harmony of the relationship, this stone could be for you.

And if you find that others judge your romance without reason, the protective energy of Onyx can help you to lock those prying eyes out!

Polished Onyx Stone

How To Best Use Onyx

Carry it with you or wear Onyx as jewelry to use it as your amulet of defense and protection. This will also keep your senses sharp and your instincts strong.

You’ll find that keeping an Onyx close to you is the best way of drawing its healing properties close. This way, you are consistently allowing them to reinforce your sense of self and your convictions.

While this stone won’t make you confrontational, it’ll undoubtedly help you to be assertive and to speak your piece when the time comes. And should anyone try to hurt your loved ones, they better watch out!

However, it will also help you to feel a more solid footing in life. This is especially important if you’re undertaking a new venture or stepping into the unknown in your personal life in some way.

You can put a Black Onyx stone in your office or workplace to ward off wrong criticisms and negative thoughts.

It will also protect you from people who want to manipulate you or try to steal the limelight from you.

Place an Onyx stone on your nightstand to protect you from fears of nightmares or anything associated with the dark.

The soothing energies of this stone will also give you a deep and restful sleep all through the night when placed near your bed.

Harness the energies of Onyx when you need to regain your strength after battling an illness, or when you need to keep your energy levels up when working on a problematic or prolonged project.

Onyx’s energies can help you stay motivated and committed to your weight loss program or any endeavor that leaves you feeling depleted.

Chakras And Onyx

Onyx can open the chakras and allow a better flow of positive energies. When there’s a healthy flow of energies, you will feel lighter, more vibrant, and more energetic.

If you’re unfamiliar with them, think of the chakras as a row of different wheels of spiritual energy within you that keep various elements of your personality running.

Onyx is associated with the Root chakra, which is located at the base of the spine.

The Root chakra is all about feeling grounded and connected to the earth, and Onyx is said to be a stone that can help promote these feelings.

If your Root chakra is out of balance, you may feel like you’re not rooted in reality, or that you’re not connected to your surroundings.

Onyx is also said to be associated with the Third Eye chakra, which is located in the center of the forehead.

The Third Eye chakra is all about intuition and insight, and Onyx is said to be a stone that can help you access these qualities.

If your Third Eye chakra is out of balance, you may have trouble trusting your intuition or you may feel like you’re not seeing the whole picture.

Feng Shui And Onyx

In Feng Shui, Onyx is often used as a tool to help achieve balance in your life.

It is said to have a stabilizing effect and can be used to ground you when you feel like you’re being pulled in too many directions.

Onyx is also thought to be helpful in promoting concentration and focus, making it a great stone for people who need to stay sharp while working.

The Best Crystals To Combine And Use With Onyx

Chakra Crystal Combinations

When working with Onyx, it’s a good idea to combine it with other crystals that correspond with the chakra points you’re trying to energize or heal.

For example, if you’re working on your Root chakra, you might want to combine Onyx with Red Jasper or Smoky Quartz.

If you’re focusing on your Heart chakra, you could pair it with Rose Quartz or Green Aventurine.

And if you’re trying to balance your Crown chakra, Amethyst or Clear Quartz would be good crystals to use with Onyx.

As always, trust your intuition and let it guide you to the crystals that will work best for you.

Other Crystal Combinations

Onyx is also said to be a good stone to combine with other grounding stones like Hematite, Black Tourmaline, or Garnet.

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If you’re looking for focus and concentration, you might want to try combining Onyx with Labradorite or Sodalite.

And if you’re looking to deepen your intuition, you could try working with Onyx and Moonstone together.

The possibilities are endless, so trust your intuition and see what crystal combinations work best for you.

Cleansing And Charging Onyx

Onyx is a stone that doesn’t need to be cleansed very often, but it’s always a good idea to give it a cleanse from time to time.

You can cleanse your Onyx by placing it in a bowl of rice overnight.

If you feel like your Onyx could use a little extra charge, you can place it in direct sunlight for a few hours.

You can also cleanse and charge your Onyx by placing it on a Selenite plate or by running it under cold water.

Whatever method you choose, trust your intuition and let it guide you.

How To Clean And Care For Your Onyx

Onyx is a durable stone, but it’s always a good idea to take care of your crystals.

Avoid exposing your Onyx to too much direct sunlight, as this can cause it to fade.

You can cleanse your Onyx with water, but avoid using saltwater or soaps as these can damage the surface of the stone.

If your Onyx starts to look dull, you can clean it with a soft cloth.

Avoid storing your Onyx in an area where it will be exposed to too much light or heat, as this can cause it to fade.

When not in use, store your Onyx in a soft cloth or jewelry box.

Programming Onyx

Onyx is a great stone for programming, and you can use it to program for anything you need help with.

Some ideas for things you can program your Onyx for include:

  • Grounding and stability
  • Concentration and focus
  • Intuition and insight
  • Balance in all areas of your life
  • Protection from negative energy

To program your Onyx, hold it in your hand and focus on your intention.

Visualize your intention being sent into the Onyx, and then let it go.

Trust that the Onyx will do its job and know that your intention is being sent out into the universe.

Tumbled Onyx Stones

Onyx Crystal Grids

Onyx is a great stone to use in crystal grids, and it can be used for a variety of purposes.

To make an Onyx grid, start by choosing the purpose for your grid.

Then, gather the stones you’ll need and cleanse them with water.

Next, arrange the stones in a grid formation, and then charge the center stone with your intention.

Finally, allow the grid to do its work and trust that the Universe will send you the results you need.

Astrology And Onyx

Onyx is associated with the astrological sign of Scorpio.

Those who are born under the sign of Scorpio are said to be passionate, determined, and intense.

They’re also known to be loyal and resourceful, and they have a strong sense of intuition.

If you’re looking for a stone that resonates with your Scorpio energy, Onyx is a great choice.

Onyx As A Birthstone

Onyx is the mystical birthstone of December.

Onyx is associated with the planet Saturn. It’s also a popular gift for a married couple’s seventh and tenth wedding anniversaries.

Onyx In Legends And History

Legend tells that when the goddess Venus was sleeping, Cupid decided to clip her fingernails and left the nail clippings on the ground.

The gods turned the nail clippings to stone, and they were later became known as Onyx! Originally, Chalcedony stones that were white, dark brown, and black were all called Onyx.

Onyx has been used throughout history for a variety of purposes.

In ancient times, it was used to make bowls, vases, and other objects. It was also used in jewelry and as a protective talisman.

The Egyptians believed that Onyx could ward off evil spirits, and the Romans used it to make cameos.

In more recent history, Onyx was used as a mourning stone during the Victorian era.

It’s also been said to be a stone of protection, and it’s often used in crystal grids for this purpose.

How Much Onyx Costs

The cost of Onyx varies depending on the quality and size of the stone.

Generally, good quality Onyx can be found for around $10 per carat.

Larger stones may cost more, but they’re not necessarily of better quality.

It’s important to choose a stone that resonates with you, regardless of the price.

How To Know If An Onyx Is Real Or Fake

If you’re looking to buy Onyx, it’s important to know how to spot a fake.

Here are a few tips to help you:

  • Check the color of the stone. If it’s not consistent throughout, it may be fake.
  • Look for cracks or bubbles in the surface of the stone.
  • Check to see if it’s been cut too perfectly. Onyx is often found with natural flaws, so a fake stone will likely have a perfect cut.
  • Feel the weight of the stone. Onyx is a dense stone, so a fake one will feel light in comparison.

If you’re still not sure, consult with a certified gemologist before making your purchase.

My Final Thoughts On The Powers Of Onyx

Onyx will work to keep your energy levels high instead of dissipating them.

onyx meanings properties and powers

It will help you build your strength, stamina, and vitality so that you can tackle the physical and mental demands of life.

It will increase your self-confidence, and it will show you how you can be assertive when it comes to things that you need, want, desire, and deserve!

With the guidance of this stone, you can bring passion and romance back to your relationship.

It can also help you keep a lid on your emotions during emotionally charged moments.

Onyx is an excellent stone to stimulate your intuitive abilities. It will enhance your dream experiences and spiritual visions.

It will also strengthen your connection to the spiritual realm.

This stone will stabilize and ground your emotional body.

It will give you strength and courage in your times of confusion or difficulties.

All these make Onyx a powerful personal gemstone that you should bring with you whenever and wherever!

If this helped you deepen your understanding of Onyx and its meaning and uses, please like and share this article with your friends to help spread love and light in our world 🙂

About the author

Diana Houston

Diana Houston is a respected crystal expert and the author of 'A Beginner's Guide to Healing Crystals: Getting Started With Crystal Healing – A Complete Guide.' Her passion for crystals and their healing properties made her a leading authority on the subject.

Diana's expertise and passion for crystals have inspired countless readers and practitioners, and her book has received rave reviews on Amazon. With her clear and insightful guidance, Diana is a trusted guide for anyone seeking to unlock the transformative power of crystals.

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