Black Onyx has been used throughout history as a stone of power, carved into cameos, intaglios, and seals. This may be because Black Onyx is known as a gem for protection, mental fortitude, and determination, or because it is considered a beneficial stone for those with high ambitions. Associated with the Root Chakra and Third Eye Chakra, Black Onyx is used as a shielding stone against negative influence, encouraging focus, temperance, and willpower to help us see our goals through. By helping us engage life's challenges with a calm mind and filtering away negative energies that plague us, Black Onyx proves itself to be an exceptional support stone.
Natural Black Onyx is a variety of impure Chalcedony ranging in color from deep grey to brown-black, and sometimes banded with other colors. Black Onyx is opaque to semi-translucent depending on quality level and the source of the stone, but completely natural Black Onyx is somewhat rare in the modern age. This is because the slightly muddled appearance of natural Black Onyx is not as preferred for ornamental use, so many procurers will use various treatments to elicit a more striking depth of color or to make existing bands more distinct.