Obsidian Vs. Onyx: What’s The Difference?

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Obsidian vs. onyx are two of the most popular black gemstones, although the difference between onyx and obsidian is often confused. Both materials shine when polished and have a sleek, deep black impression, making them exciting jewelry components.

Beautiful rings, bracelets, and necklaces crafted from black onyx with black obsidian may be found in many modern and upscale jewelry collections. These black jewels are a great choice if you’re going for a sophisticated, one-of-a-kind style but don’t want to commit to a traditional color scheme.

The difference between onyx and obsidian is apparent: black stones like onyx and obsidian have impurities like silicon that make them appear darker. Also, among obsidian vs. onyx weight—obsidian’s weight is less than that of onyx, and it has a shinier, more glassy appearance.

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What Is Obsidian?

The rapid cooling of molten rock during a volcanic eruption produces black obsidian. The richness of its color makes black obsidian stone recognized by various other names, including xaga, volcanic glass, and royal agate.

Tumbled or carved, the surface of a piece of black obsidian shines brightly. Yet, even in its natural condition, it is tough and polished, with potentially dangerous sharp edges. Because of its robust qualities and striking beauty, it is employed in jewelry and decorative items.

Obsidian, a dark and dreamy volcanic glass rock, is a robust foundation for keeping you rooted in your happy life and a blade against negativity. Although some may be distracted by flashier stones, obsidian is still a stunning gem.

Obsidian: Meaning and Healing Properties

Most people use black obsidian for its cleansing and grounding effects. Its energy is grounded in the three lower chakras and strongly connected to the ground.

The black obsidian stone, whose polished exterior is commonly used to make crystal balls, has long been believed to open a channel between the living and the dead. To establish feng shui in the home, this anchoring force is ideal.

Obsidian provides the fortitude to venture into the unknown, accept one’s true identity, heal from past traumas, and let go of attachments to things that are no longer helpful. There is so much space for growth when you practice letting go and addressing your deeper self; before you realize it, the branches you’ve been trimming unwittingly will be ready to soar.

What Is Onyx?

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Onyx is a chalcedony made up of microscopic intergrowths of the mineral silica. Unlike the random banding seen in many agates, the bands in agates are always parallel to one another.

The protective and healing powers of black stones are very potent. The user of onyx may feel an increase in strength and determination due to the stone’s potent vibrations.

Black onyx helps you feel more connected to the earth’s electromagnetic energy by stimulating the base chakra. When used for scrying or other magical purposes, this stone performs admirably.

The link between the feet and the base chakra can be strengthened by using this stone. Those who have trouble with grounding, getting rid of toxins or excess energy, or who suffer from weak legs may find this helpful.

Onyx: Meaning and Healing Properties

With the aid of onyx, you may avoid any temptation to relapse and instead direct your body’s energy into the healing process. In addition to helping fortify teeth and bones, onyx can also support the body’s bone marrow or tissue structures.

Similar to how it helps your physical body, black onyx can bring you a sense of power and vigor when it comes to your emotional well-being. Just as black onyx helps your physical body mend, it can also help you feel more stable and confident in your mental health.

Black onyx is a stone of the root chakra because of the wonderful grounding energy it provides. When doing psychic work or exploring past lives, which might leave you exposed, black onyx can help you maintain your sense of safety and security.

How To Tell The Difference Between Obsidian and Onyx?

Onyx and obsidian are two of the most popular black gemstones, although they are often confused with one another. Despite their apparent resemblance, onyx and obsidian are two different gemstones with significant differences in structure, chemical qualities, and value.

Composition

Onyx has been treasured for centuries as the finest black gemstone available. Onyx, like agate, is a chalcedony, a variety of silicate minerals. It is a slow-growing layered chalcedony gemstone found in the earth’s crust.

However, obsidian is not a true mineral. Instead, it is cooled lava solidified into black volcanic glass. It is also composed mainly of silica and less of quartz. The iron plus magnesium in obsidian is responsible for its dark color.

Appearance

Lifting the two stones will reveal that onyx is heavier and denser than obsidian, making it the most straightforward method for telling them apart. In contrast to onyx, a mineral with a crystalline structure that includes hexagons, obsidian is a black igneous rock.

The primary distinction between black onyx and black obsidian is not just the substantial weight difference between the two but also the fact that the onyx typically has a slightly duller finish. Don’t put too much stock in the fact that a black onyx may look remarkably glassy with a good polish.

Hardness

The hardness of onyx is 7, making it the same as the hardness of quartz. Even at this hardness, onyx can be scratched by something as soft as glass, but it should be safe from most hard objects like knives, coins, and fingernails.

However, hardness scales typically rate obsidian created from basalt glass at a 6; thus, obsidian is slightly softer than that. Therefore, although it is usually acceptable for daily usage, it may pose problems for those who are less cautious.

Value

Both onyx and obsidian are more difficult to find than other, more common gemstones like rubies. However, you can find both in compact jewelry sets like rings, earrings, and necklaces.

Since it is not a precious or semi-precious stone, onyx is not particularly valuable or pricey. Prices vary widely from $10 per carat through $100 per carat, based on the quality and where you get them.

Due to its global abundance, obsidian neither fetches a high price nor holds much monetary value. Glass material like obsidian is worthless and has no secondary market value.