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Onyx

Onyx

As with other gems compromising the variety of quartzknown as chalcedony (namedfor the ancient Greek city of Calcedon), onyx is characterized by it hardnessand durability. Further distiguished by its parallel black and white bands, which serve to heighten the effect in relief work, onyx has been traditionally favored in the carving of cameos, statuettes, scarabs and beads.