With its bold, enigmatic aura, the black onyx is a must-have for every stylish person. But is the jewel’s beauty a result of artificial enhancements?
Read this article to find out…
But First, What Is the Black Onyx?
Known for its dark hue and opaque surface, the black onyx is one of the most popular semi-precious gems available today. It is a form of silicate layered chalcedony, which is a type of quartz.
An important point to note about this jewel is that it has a rating of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. So if you wish to wear this gem more frequently, you can certainly do so, albeit with proper care and precaution.
Another interesting thing about the black onyx is that unlike several precious stones, the price of this gem does not increase dramatically as the carat weight goes up. This means that you can enjoy bigger, more dramatic-looking pieces without burning a hole in your pocket.
Back to the Main Question, Is It Treated?
In most cases – yes!
Believe it or not, natural black onyxes are extremely rare and therefore not commonly sold in the market. So this gem is created by treating grey chalcedonies (grey onyxes) to achieve the desired black hue.
Important note: As these stones showcase the same chemical structure as natural black onyxes, they are considered to be real.
Also Read: Gemstone Treatment Methods
How Are They Treated?
Typically, grey chalcedonies are dyed to change their color. During this process, the stone is soaked in a sugar solution which infiltrates its body through the tiny cracks and fissures present on the surface. The onyx is then treated with either sulfuric or hydrochloric acid to carbonize the sugar present on the top layers of the gemstone.
This treatment is both permanent and stable, which means that it is long-lasting and won’t majorly affect the durability or the chemical structure of the gem.
Interesting Side Note…
This particular treatment has actually been used since ancient times to add depth to the stone’s hue.
In certain cases, the onyxes may also be heat treated in order to remove any unwanted tints. Here, the stone is exposed to varying degrees of extreme temperature until it changes color. As with the dyeing treatment, this one is also stable and permanent.
Also Read: Gemstone Treatment vs Enhancement
What Factors Should You Consider When Buying the Black Onyx?
- Color: Needless to say, the best quality onyxes showcase a singular black hue with zero color bands.
- Clarity: Black onyxes are generally free from any visible inclusions. Heirloom-quality variations should showcase a well-polished, reflective surface. Keep in mind that any scratches or cracks on the surface will greatly bring down the value of this jewel.
- Cut: This factor greatly influences the gemstone’s look and appeal. And while you can find it in several shapes, round, oval and pear remain the most popular options. This is mainly because they effortlessly draw focus to the stone’s dramatic color and opaqueness.
All in all, this gem is sure to be a worthwhile purchase and we hope the points mentioned above will help you make a more informed decision.
