The origin of Onyx is told in a Greek legend: Amor, in his funny mood, have cut the nails of Venus with the point of his arrow, and threw them into the Indus river. The parkas have taken them out from the river and after realizing their Goddess origin, they have transformed the nail into Onyx stones.
Its name originates from the word ’onüx’, meaning ’nail’.
Different cultures considered the stone that holds mystic power. While the Romans and Indians believed in its magic strength, in the Arabic world the Onyx was the stone that brought bad luck.
Onyx is mentioned in the Bible, as well, several time, as a highly precious stone.
It is mined in Uruguay, India, Brazil, US.
Mohs:7.