Black onyx is a crystal that promotes emotional healing by encouraging a person to shed negative emotions, thoughts and situations. It also encourages a person to be more practical and realistic in their thinking and behavior. It can be a good stone to wear if you have issues with former relationships and want to work on letting go of past hurts. It can also help a person gain a sense of power and control over their lives.
Despite its dark appearance, onyx is a very durable and versatile gemstone. It is available in a variety of shapes and cuts and can be polished to a shiny finish that makes it suitable for jewelry. In fact, many people wear onyx rings because it can be a great accent to any outfit, from casual to formal. Onyx also is a common stone for mourning pieces and is often worn by goths, emos and those who identify with the dark and mysterious characteristics of the mineral.
It is a member of the quartz family and has an excellent rating on the Mohs scale, meaning it can withstand high amounts of pressure without damage. It is a crystalline form of calcium carbonate and can be found in nature as a tusk, nugget or crystal. It is most frequently used as a natural gemstone, but it can be dyed black for decorative purposes. In fact, the name onyx is sometimes mistakenly applied to striped calcite and much of what you see for sale as black onyx is actually dyed calcite.
While onyx can be used in many ways to heal, it is especially effective in the root chakra to balance and energize it. Balancing the root chakra is essential to maintaining physical health and emotional stability. Place a black onyx stone on your pubic bone or between your feet when you lie down and try to concentrate on balancing that area of your body as you meditate.
Because of its ability to help you focus and calm your mind, onyx is a great companion for spiritual and meditation practices. It can be helpful to use this stone in conjunction with other crystals or stones in a grid that is designed to balance your chakras. This will help you get the most out of the stone and ensure that your energy is being directed in the best way possible.
This gemstone is associated with the zodiac sign of Leo and has strong connections to the planet Saturn. It helps a person to dig in and ground themselves, making it easier to resist temptations and overcome destructive patterns of behavior. It can also help a Leo to overcome feelings of resentment and anger and promotes emotional healing by releasing those negative feelings. In addition, it can support a Leo in carving out new directions and overcoming the fear of change that can be related to possessive behaviors. Black onyx is also a good stone to use when a Leo is in the midst of a major life transition.