An onyx is a chalcedony occurring in bands that are of different colours. It is typically used as a gemstone, particularly in cameos and intaglios.
The colours of the bands of an onyx are usually white and black. However, it does occur in other colours as well. A variant is Sardonyx, wherein the bands are sard (that is, shades of red) instead of shades of black. The word onyx has its roots in the Middle English word onix; from the Old French; from the Latin word onych- onyx, from the Greek word onux, meaning nail.
The term Onyx may also be used in reference to a number of other things. For example there is Onyx, which is a Swiss intelligence gathering system. Onyx is also the name of a Queens-based rap band.
The colours of the bands of an onyx are usually white and black. However, it does occur in other colours as well. A variant is Sardonyx, wherein the bands are sard (that is, shades of red) instead of shades of black. The word onyx has its roots in the Middle English word onix; from the Old French; from the Latin word onych- onyx, from the Greek word onux, meaning nail.
The term Onyx may also be used in reference to a number of other things. For example there is Onyx, which is a Swiss intelligence gathering system. Onyx is also the name of a Queens-based rap band.