Onyx Max 3

[Lorna Schildt]

Onyxis the parallel-banded variety of chalcedony, a silicate mineral. Agate and onyx are both varieties of layered chalcedony that differ only in the form of the bands. Onyx has parallel bands, while agate has curved bands. The colors of its bands range from black to almost every color. Specimens of onyx commonly contain bands of black or white or both.[1] Onyx, as a descriptive term, has also been applied to parallel-banded varieties of alabaster, marble, calcite, obsidian, and opal, and misleadingly to materials with contorted banding, such as "cave onyx" and "Mexican onyx".[1][3][4]

Onyx comes through Latin (of the same spelling), from the Ancient Greek ὄνυξ, meaning "claw" or "fingernail". Onyx with pink and white bands can sometimes resemble a fingernail.[5] The English word "nail" is cognate with the Greek word.

Onyx is formed of chalcedony bands in alternating colors. It is cryptocrystalline, consisting of fine intergrowths of the silica minerals quartz and moganite. Its bands are parallel, unlike the more chaotic banding that often occurs in agates.[6]

The name has also commonly been used to label other banded materials, such as banded calcite found in Mexico, India, and other places, and often carved, polished, and sold. This material is much softer than true onyx and more readily available. The majority of carved items sold as "onyx" today are this carbonate material.[9][10]

Artificial onyx types have also been produced from common chalcedony and plain agates. The first-century naturalist Pliny the Elder described these techniques used in Roman times.[11] Treatments for producing black and other colors include soaking or boiling chalcedony in sugar solutions, then treating with sulfuric or hydrochloric acid to carbonize sugars which had been absorbed into the top layers of the stone.[8][12] These techniques are still used, as well as other dyeing treatments, and most so-called "black onyx" sold is artificially treated.[13] In addition to dye treatments, heating and treatment with nitric acid have been used to lighten or eliminate undesirable colors.[8]

Onyx can be found in various regions of the world, including Greece, Yemen, Uruguay, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Latin America, the UK, and various states in the US.[9]

It has a long history of use for hardstone carving and jewelry, where it is usually cut as a cabochon or into beads. It has also been used for intaglio and hardstone cameo engraved gems, where the bands make the image contrast with the ground.[14] Some onyx is natural but much of the material in commerce is produced by the staining of agate.[15]

Onyx was used in Egypt as early as the Second Dynasty to make bowls and other pottery items.[16] Use of sardonyx appears in the art of Minoan Crete, notably from the archaeological recoveries at Knossos.[17]

Onyx was known to the Ancient Greeks and Romans.[22] The first-century naturalist Pliny the Elder described both types of onyx and various artificial treatment techniques in his Naturalis Historia.[11]

The ancient Romans entered battle carrying amulets of sardonyx engraved with Mars, the god of war. This was believed to bestow courage in battle. In Renaissance Europe, wearing sardonyx was believed to bestow eloquence.[25] A traditional Persian belief is that it helped with epilepsy.[26] Sardonyx was traditionally used by English midwives to ease childbirth by laying it between the breasts of the mother.[27]

With over 30 years experience both nationally and internationally, Onyx is an industry leader in audio visual technology. Our success is a result of working directly with our clients to identify their vision. Innovation along with strong engineering talent enables Onyx to design and build the optimal technological environment.

"Like the ancient warriors who wore onyx protective stones when facing adversaries in battles or conflicts of all kinds, Onyx serves as your defender against poor design and quality when it comes to your technical needs."

Architects, engineers, designers and builders depend on our precise documentation and solution-oriented creativity. As a design build firm, we leverage our extensive experience in engineering, installing, and integrating highly complex systems. Successful, timely execution continues to cultivate relationships with Government agencies, Corporate enterprises, Houses-of-Worship and Educational institutions.

Allen Cail, Dan Kadans, Cedric Latham and a young man named Stewart; all did a professional job involving the installs. One install stands out. On Friday, February 21, Allen, Dan and Cedric stayed onboard till past 7pm, in order to get the programming completed on a podium installed in our Secondary Conference Room. The Room was to be in use the following week, accommodating perspective Commanding and Executive Officers for all the Squadrons that are claimants to CNAL. This was "Above and Beyond' and for that, I thank you for your companies services. I especially want to thank your Installation team.

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