No, Onyx is Not Rarer or More Expensive Than Diamond

Diamonds reign supreme as the most brilliant, valuable and coveted gemstones on earth. While beautiful in its own right, onyx cannot compare to the exceptional hardness, brilliance and monetary value of a diamond. But that doesn’t make onyx undesirable! As we’ll explore in this beginner’s guide, onyx has its own fascinating history, symbolic powers and allure that make it a compelling jewelry stone.

Below we’ll examine these two gems side-by-side, uncovering everything a beginner needs to know about how onyx and diamonds differ in terms of physical properties, price per carat, jewelry uses and more. We’ll also dive into the mythic and mystical properties surrounding onyx that explain its lasting intrigue. Let’s dig in!

A Brief History of Onyx Through the Ages

Before exploring the onyx of today, it’s fascinating to learn about onyx‘s prominent place in ancient civilizations. From royal adornments to tools of magic, this banded stone has meant many things to different cultures over millennia:

• Ancient Egyptians – Crafted heart amulets and pottery from onyx and other dark stones to honor the dead in burials. Believed it invoked the goddess Seshat, patron of writing and knowledge.

• Ancient Greeks & Romans – Associated black onyx with the powerful god Saturn. Used cameos and carved mythological figures from banded onyx.

• Persians – Adorned onyx handle knives used for bloodletting rituals, believing it purified and gave strength.

• Indians – The Sanskrit name for onyx translates to “fingernail stone” due to its pale fleshy color. Used in Vedic astrology.

• Chinese – Onyx was mainly mined by slaves and servants, giving it an unlucky stigma. The word for "onyx" meant "bad luck".

• Tibetan Buddhists – Regarded onyx as a sacred stone of the underworld and death. Used skulls carved from onyx in rituals.

• Europeans – From medieval times through the Victorian era, European men and women wore onyx jewelry as symbols of chastity and virtue.

• Maya & Aztecs – Decorated masks for rituals with inlaid eyes of polished black onyx to represent glimpsing the unknown world.

• Modern Era – Onyx is still valued worldwide as a stone of protection, vigor and transition that integrates dualities.

This quick historical survey gives a glimpse into how onyx was viewed across different ancient cultures. Now let‘s analyze what gives onyx its more objective value as a gemstone today.

How is Onyx’s Value Determined?

Onyx receives an average grade of 5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, with 10 being the hardest gem like diamond. This relatively soft composition means onyx is prone to chipping or scratching if not handled gently. But there are many factors that determine an onyx stone‘s worth:

Color

• Pure black commands highest value. Brownish, greyish or faded bands mean less value.

Banding

• Distinct, high-contrast bands increase value. Fuzzy or blurred bands decrease value.

Clarity

• Flawless, transparent stones with no inclusions are most prized. Cloudy or blemished stones have lower value.

Cut

• Cabochon cuts showcase banding. Faceted cuts add sparkle. Skill of cut impacts value.

Carat Weight

• Larger onyx gems are more rare and valuable, but difference is less pronounced than with diamonds.

Treatments

• Enhancements like dyeing or heating to improve black color will lower value. Untreated specimens cost more.

Settings

• Onyx takes on a more elite, expensive look when set in precious metals like white gold or platinum.

With factors like bold banding and flawless clarity, a premium onyx can cost $100 – $500 per carat. But the vast majority sell for less than $50 per carat since dyeing and heat treatments are commonplace to deepen color.

How Does Onyx Compare to Diamonds?

Now that we understand onyx basics, let’s examine how they differ from diamonds, the undisputed king of gems in terms of monetary worth. Below is a table summarizing key variances:

Property	Onyx	Diamond
Composition	Silica mineral (type of quartz)	Pure crystallized carbon
Structure	Cryptocrystalline	Highly crystalline
Hardness	6 to 7 on Mohs scale	10 on Mohs scale
Toughness	Brittle, prone to chipping	Extremely tough and durable
Rarity	Readily available, abundant	Very rare, found deep underground
Refractive Index	1.54 – 1.56	2.42 (very high)
Dispersion	Nonexistent – 0.000	0.044 (extremely high)
Brilliance	Dull to waxy	Exceptionally brilliant and fiery
Price per carat	$1 – $500	Over $1000, often over $5000

The table above summarizes the inherent physical and chemical differences between onyx and diamonds that account for their enormous divergence in value, prestige and brilliance.

Some key takeaways:

• Diamond is the hardest known mineral, rating 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, while onyx ranks only 6 to 7, making it prone to scratching and chipping.

• Diamond has unmatched brilliance and dispersion of light into rainbows due to its high refractive index. Onyx is rather dull by comparison.

• Diamonds form deep in the Earth‘s mantle over billions of years, making them incredibly scarce. Onyx is abundantly found worldwide.

• The average price per carat for a diamond is over $1000 but can be over $5000. Premium onyx rarely exceeds $500 per carat.

So while onyx has its own subdued gloss, diamonds unequivocally dominate in terms of monetary value, fire, scintillation and rarity.

The Allure and Symbolism of Onyx Through the Ages

While it may pale in comparison to diamond’s worldly worth, onyx holds profound symbolic meaning and legendary energies that have fascinated humans for millennia:

Absorbs Negativity

• Onyx is believed to absorb and drain negative energy as a protective stone. It was carved into amulets and magic tools across many ancient cultures for ritual protection.

Channels Darkness

• Seen as a stone of the underworld and darkness in many cultures. Used to connect with dark gods/goddesses like Saturn and Seshat who rule the night realms.

Focus & Discipline

• Onyx purportedly enhances concentration, focus, confidence and discipline. Athletes and warriors historically used it to banish fear and boost fighting spirit.

• Thought to aid in self-mastery by controlling emotions and desires. Helps make wise decisions.

Emotional Healing

• Believed to alleviate overwhelming emotions like grief and sadness and prevent energy drain. Provides emotional fortification.

• Said to balance opposites in one’s life and integrate dualities within the self.

Transitions & Change

• Helps release the past during major life changes and transitions. Symbolic of rebirth and spiritual awakening.

Sexual Potency

• Historically used to enhance potency, vigor and stamina. Thought to quell excessive sexual urges and strengthen yin/yang energies.

This brief overview provides a glimpse into onyx’s storied mystical properties that drive its popularity in ritual tools, amulets and crystal healing work. Let‘s now examine how onyx is physically transformed into eye-catching jewelry.

How Onyx is Mined and Cut for Jewelry

Onyx deposits are abundant worldwide, from the Americas to Africa and Asia. While traditional small-scale artisanal mining still occurs, most commercial onyx mining utilizes advanced technology for efficiency. Here are some key facts about onyx mining and processing:

• Extraction is done from surface deposits or underground networks up to 20 meters deep. Extracted rock is sorted into quality grades.

• Onyx is shaped and polished by specialized lapidary artisans. Cuts highlight the parallel banding that makes onyx unique.

• To achieve uniform black color, almost all raw onyx is treated by soaking in sugar and sulfuric acid solutions for 4-10 days. This deepens and carbonizes the existing black bands through absorption.

• Additional dyeing and heating techniques are also commonly used to control color saturation. Unenhanced onyx is quite rate.

• After cutting, polishing and treating, the onyx is sold to jewelers and designers to be set into finished jewelry pieces like rings, pendants, beads and cameos.

Understanding this production process makes it clear that most onyx gems seen in jewelry are man-made to some degree rather than pristine natural stones straight from the earth. This accounts for onyx‘s relatively low prices compared to untreated gems.

Is Onyx a Good Choice for Jewelry?

Given its vulnerability to chipping, onyx may not be the most practical choice for rings or bracelets worn every day. But it can make a striking and affordable statement in certain jewelry types:

Pendants

Onyx pendants show off distinctive banding and make great statement pieces. Just be gentle and avoid impacts.

Earrings

For special occasions, bold onyx drop earrings paired with black outfits pop beautifully. Studs work for daily wear.

Cocktail Rings

Onyx cocktail rings or men‘s statement rings are ideal for low-impact use. The bold contrast makes a dramatic impact.

Cameos

Carved onyx cameos framed in precious metals remain classic and elegant jewelry items that display well.

Beads

Stringing onyx beads into necklaces or bracelets makes an inexpensive bohemian style statement.

Wrap Up

In summary, while onyx has been treasured since ancient times for its mystical properties, it can‘t compare to diamond‘s unparalleled brilliance and value. However, onyx holds its own as an affordable, striking black gemstone ideal for low-impact jewelry uses. Its rich history and associations with focus, calm and protection ensure onyx remains eternally appealing.

For everyday fine jewelry that will withstand active wear, diamond is the clear premier choice. But for making an edgy fashion statement, onyx has enduring dark allure. Either way, understanding these two stones equips you to make the best choice for your individual needs.