Onyx is one of those gemstones, it seems, that people either love or hate. What most people may not know is that onyx is not just a solid black color, nor is it the black stones that feature white swirls, but rather onyx can range from the solid color to a mixture of black and white.

Essentially, onyx is Chalcedony, and it can be black Chalcedony or black Chalcedony and white Chalcedony that are layered or banded. Sometimes, onyx is even used to label a stones with solid color base and engraving, while other times, gemstones that exhibit parallel banding are called onyx. Traditionally, speaking, Onyx is the solid black Chalcedony, which falls in the quartz category of minerals.

Here is a piece of onyx which is completely black, and what it is known to traditionally look like:

Onyx has been used since ancient times, not only for jewelry, but also to craft small statues. The significance and value that onyx held in ancient times has diminished tremendously today, however. Back in ancient times, it was regarded as one of the most important stones for cameo and engraving gemstones.

The mineral is found in Brazil, Uruguay and India.