Gem of the Month: Black Onyx

Black onyx is a timeless classic. After all, everything goes with black! Available in every kind of bead imaginable, from organic nuggets to refined faceted rounds, black onyx is a traditional beading favorite.

Matte black onyx round beads

Onyx is a part of the agate group of stones in the larger chalcedony family. In fact, there was once a time when nearly all colors of chalcedony were called onyx! In modern times, the color range of cream through brown and black are called onyx. The darkest natural browns and blacks are generally called black agate and the most opaque blacks can be called black onyx. There are even black and brown banded agates and red or black banded sardonyx. You might see any variation of these names on bead labels, and they are all correct!