- Banded onyx calcite polished tower with strong natural layering
- Cool sage-green core contrasted by cream, caramel, and deep brown bands
- Distinct horizontal banding with subtle scenic transitions
- Polished faces that clearly reveal internal structure and translucency
- Tall, slender tower form finished with a crisp, symmetrical point
- Exact crystal shown that you will receive – one of a kind
| Specimen Details | |
|---|---|
| Weight |
4.10 oz (116.3 g) |
| Size |
4.69 x 0.98 in (11.921 x 2.486 cm) |
| Origin | Pakistan |
Crystal Description
This banded onyx calcite tower displays beautifully layered growth, with soft green bands forming the core and gradually shifting into creamy whites, warm honey tones, and darker earth-brown layers toward the base and tip.
Looking along the polished faces, you can see how the banding alternates between tight, parallel lines and broader, gently flowing layers. These transitions give the piece a scenic, almost landscape-like quality that changes as you rotate the tower.
The green sections show subtle translucency, allowing light to pass softly thro
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Onyx Origins & Interesting Facts
Onyx is a variety of chalcedony, a microcrystalline form of quartz, characterized by its parallel banding. While black onyx is the most well-known, natural onyx can also occur with white, brown, or reddish bands.
Historically, Onyx has been used since ancient times for seals, cameos, intaglios, and protective amulets. Its fine grain and durability made it especially suitable for detailed carving.
Major sources of Onyx include Brazil, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Pakistan, and the United States. Much of the uniformly black onyx on the market today is naturally banded chalcedony that has been dyed to enhance contrast.
The name “Onyx” comes from the Greek word for “fingernail” or “claw,” referring to the stone’s layered appearance, which reminded ancient observers of translucent nail layers.
Metaphysically, Onyx has long been regarded as a stone of strength and protection, a reputation that mirrors its historical use as a talisman during times of conflict and uncertainty.
Onyx Geological Information
Onyx forms through the slow deposition of silica-rich solutions within cavities of volcanic or sedimentary rock. Over time, repeated mineral deposition creates the characteristic parallel banding.
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Chalcedony (Quartz) |
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂ |
| Crystal System | Trigonal (microcrystalline) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 – 7 |
| Luster | Vitreous to waxy |
| Transparency | Opaque to translucent |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
Onyx is chemically stable and physically durable, which explains both its long archaeological history and its continued popularity in jewelry and ornamental objects.
Onyx Care & Handling
🧼 Cleaning:
Onyx can be cleaned with lukewarm water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
📦 Storage:
Store separately from softer stones to prevent scratching. While durable, polished surfaces can dull if rubbed against harder minerals.
☀️ Light:
Stable in normal light conditions. Dyed onyx should not be left in prolonged direct sunlight.
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Calcite Origins & Background
Calcite is one of the most abundant and widely distributed minerals on Earth and forms the structural foundation of many geological environments. It occurs in an extraordinary range of colors, crystal habits, and formations, making it one of the most diverse and fascinating mineral families available to collectors and crystal enthusiasts.
The name Calcite derives from the Latin word calx, meaning lime. Calcite has been used throughout human history for construction, sculpture, pigments, and tools — as well as for metaphysical and spiritual purposes in many ancient cultures.
Calcite occurs worldwide, with notable deposits found in Mexico, Iceland, Brazil, China, Madagascar, the United States, and across Europe. Different localities produce distinct crystal forms, colors, and optical properties.
Calcite is known for forming some of the most visually striking crystal habits, including scalenohedrons, rhombohedrons, dogtooth crystals, massive formations, stalactites, and fibrous aggregates. Many popular varieties — such as Blue Calcite, Orange Calcite, Honey Calcite, Green Calcite, and Caribbean Blue Calcite — all belong to the same mineral species.
Calcite Geological Information
Calcite is a calcium carbonate mineral (CaCO₃) and crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system. It forms through a wide variety of geological processes, including sedimentary deposition, hydrothermal activity, and biological accumulation.
Calcite is the primary component of limestone and marble and plays a critical role in Earth’s carbon cycle. It can precipitate directly from solution, form through metamorphism, or grow biologically in shells, coral, and skeletal structures.
One of Calcite’s most distinctive physical properties is its strong cleavage — it breaks cleanly in three directions — and its well-known optical double refraction, most famously demonstrated by Iceland Spar.
Common Geological Occurrences
- Sedimentary limestone and marble
- Hydrothermal veins
- Caves, stalactites, and stalagmites
- Association with Aragonite, Quartz, Fluorite, and other carbonates
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Calcite |
| Chemical Formula | CaCO₃ |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 3 |
| Luster | Vitreous to pearly |
| Transparency | Transparent to opaque |
| Cleavage | Perfect in three directions |
Calcite Crystal Care & Ownership Advice
⚠️ Handling:
Calcite is relatively soft and easily scratched. Handle with care and avoid contact with harder minerals such as Quartz.
🧼 Cleaning:
Avoid acids, vinegar, or harsh cleaners. Calcite can be gently wiped with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Prolonged water exposure is not recommended for polished pieces.
☀️ Light:
Most Calcite varieties are stable in light, though some colored forms may fade with prolonged intense sunlight.
📦 Storage:
Store Calcite separately or wrapped to prevent scratching and edge damage.
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