onyx etymology

Etymology:

The word "onyx" is derived from the Greek word "ὄνυξ" (ónyx), which means "fingernail" or "claw". This is due to the resemblance of the stone's banded appearance to the pale, translucent bands of a fingernail.

Meaning:

Onyx is a type of chalcedony, a cryptocrystalline form of silica. It is a banded gemstone with alternating layers of different colors, commonly black and white. Onyx is typically used in jewelry and decorative objects.

Origin:

Onyx forms in cavities or veins within volcanic rocks. It is found in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Madagascar, Mexico, and Turkey. The most valuable onyx comes from India, where it has been mined for centuries.

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