Black onyx is a gemstone that has many meanings, including:
- Protection: Black onyx is thought to protect against evil spirits, negative energies, and dark places. It's also said to be useful for traveling and fighting fears.
- Strength: Black onyx is said to increase regeneration, happiness, intuition, and self-control.
- Love: The contrast between the layers of black and white in black onyx are said to symbolize love.
- Confidence: Black onyx is said to help people become masters of their own destiny and provide steadfast confidence.
- Decision-making: Black onyx is said to help people make wise decisions.
- Longevity: In China, black onyx is known as "the stone of longevity".
- Wealth: In China, black onyx is often used to describe wealth.
- Courage: The Romans associated onyx with courage.
- Stress reduction: In the Middle East, black onyx was called the "worry stone" and was rubbed between the fingers when experiencing conflicting emotions.
Black onyx is the official birthstone for the zodiac signs Leo and Capricorn.