Material Standard // 04
The dark
anchor.
Deep, even black with a glassy polish, onyx gives gold and diamonds something to stand against. This is what it is and how it wears.
What onyx is
Onyx is a banded variety of chalcedony, a fine-grained quartz. The solid black onyx used in jewelry is usually treated to deepen and even out its color, a long-established and stable practice.
In wear
At about 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, onyx handles daily wear well, but harder materials such as diamond can scratch it, and a hard knock can chip an edge. Set in gold, with the metal protecting its edges, it is suited to rings, pendants and cufflinks worn often.
With gold and diamonds
Black onyx is at its strongest beside yellow gold and white diamonds, where the contrast is greatest.
Questions
Can I wear onyx every day?
Yes. Store it apart from diamond pieces, which can scratch it, and take it off for heavy work.
How do I clean it?
Warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid chemical dips, ultrasonic cleaners and sudden temperature changes.
How is onyx different from obsidian?
Obsidian is volcanic glass, softer at about 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale and more easily scratched. Onyx is harder and better suited to daily wear.
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