Onyx vs Obsidian: Which Stone is Better for Jewelry and Why?

Onyx and Obsidian are two of the most captivating gemstones, often confused for one another due to their striking black appearance. Both stones are widely used in jewelry and are admired for their beauty, metaphysical properties, and spiritual significance. Historically, cultures have employed these stones for decorative art, emotional healing, and more. Each stone holds unique symbolism and occupies a special place in the gemstone world, making them highly sought after by collectors, spiritual practitioners, and jewelry enthusiasts alike.

Onyx and Obsidian have been used for a long time and are similar. But, they have some differences in their uses and origin. Onyx existed during the ages of men. The Greeks and Romans used it to decorate their possessions from 400 BC. It was further used to create jewelry, engraved stones, and amulets. Even ancient cultures thought that Onyx could protect a man against the evil eye and bad luck.

Obsidian is also very ancient. It's been used for thousands of years, notably by Native Americans and other peoples of the Americas. It was valued for its sharpness and was shaped into tools and weapons. The Aztecs used obsidian to make knives and arrowheads. The dark, smooth surface was used in ceremonies of spirituality related to the unknown and believed to be mystical.

These stones share a similar metaphysical property of protection. Onyx absorbs and transforms negative energy and is used to prevent the evil eye and other damaging things. It is commonly used during meditation to create a shield around the body and protect the wearer from stress.

Obsidian is similarly known for its protective qualities. It is one of the strongest stones for protecting the spirit. Obsidian is called the "Stone of Truth”. It is believed to bring out hidden thoughts and feelings and is great for introspection. The stone is believed to be grounding, increasing the wearer's connection to the Earth and lowering negativity.

Onyx is a chalcedony that rates around 6.5 to 7 on the hardness scale. It is quite durable but can be scratched on the surface by harder materials. Obsidian is volcanic glass, so it is considered brittle. It ranks at about 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Obsidian's sharp and strong edge is glassy and more likely to chip and break than the Onyx one.

Obsidian and onyx have very different metaphysical properties, and their uses are very different. Onyx's powers help ground the mind, enhance concentration, and conquer obstacles. It is believed that wearing it helps the user stand their ground in a crisis.

Obsidian, on the other hand, is a protective stone of self-reflection. It's the oil that helps you emotionally heal through the work of past trauma to release energies. Obsidian is a great stone for deep meditation and is also a stone of transformation.

While Onyx and obsidian find their place in jewelry, visually, they are different. One of the most well-known black stones is Onyx. Most commonly used for necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. The stone's shiny finish allows for easy interaction with many stones, from Onyx to quartz to make it free of blemishes.

Obsidian's smoothness and shine make it more popular for jewelry in dramatic, bold pieces; it is another beautiful black stone. You can create a cabochon for one of the rings or a pendant, as well as a stone. Obsidian's luster makes it useful for various decorative objects, such as sculptures and mirrors.

Onyx can be found more easily than Obsidian in the gemstone marketplace. It originates from various global locations, including the USA, Brazil, and India. Obsidian is less common than granite because it only forms during certain geological circumstances and is most often associated with volcanic activity.

The cost of both stones can differ based on quality and size; the Kumari stone is generally more expensive than Onyx. Onyx gemstones that contain lines of different colors can be significantly higher than Obsidian, which is usually easier to find.

The rarity and specificity of obsidian lead to higher expenses when compared to other stones. The price may also go up depending on the type (rainbow Obsidian, snowflake Obsidian) and the quality of the stone.

Although Onyx is relatively soft compared to other gemstones, it can still be scratched. It should be cleaned using a soft cloth with mild soap, and harsh chemicals should also be avoided.

Although it is more prone to fractures, obsidian is much more durable in its polished form and can be cleaned like Onyx. Obsidian jewelry should be taken care of due to its brittle nature, which means it tends to fracture easily.

When choosing between Onyx and Obsidian, know what you are looking for. Onyx may be the better choice if you'd like something that helps with mental clarity, strength, and focus. This is a good option if you're looking for a cheaper and more versatile daily option. 

Obsidian may be the ideal option if you are looking to heal emotionally, self-reflect, or grow spiritually. This is a strong anointing oil whose protective qualities can help you with your personal transformation.

Beads of Cambay offers superior-quality Onyx and Obsidian beads that are not easily available in the market. Our Onyx Beads and Obsidian Beads are pre-selected to guarantee good quality. Our beautiful stones, along with your choice of beads, can be bought online at our site.

Both powerful stones, Onyx and Obsidian, possess unique benefits.  Those who wish to clear their mind, feel more grounded, or gain strength could benefit from Onyx. Obsidian is suited for those who want to dive into their feelings and do some emotional healing. Both stones are powerful, protective, and healing tools. Besides, it can also be added to your jewelry for whatever purpose you wish.

You can tell if Black Onyx is real by its smooth, semi-transparent surface and the banded patterns within. Real Onyx will have some banding of black and white or brown in it, with the color going all the way through.

Obsidian is used to ground energy and protect it from harmful forces or unwanted energy. It is also a great stone for emotional healing and enhancing intuition.

Anyone can wear Black Onyx; there are no restrictions. However, it is more for people who are looking to achieve emotional strength and balance.

Onyx has banded layers, while Obsidian has a smooth, glass-like surface. Obsidian is shinier and more reflective, while Onyx has a matte finish.

No, neither stone is inherently better than the other. It depends on your needs. Onyx helps you focus and maintain mental strength, whereas Obsidian is excellent for your protection and emotional healing.

Have more questions related to Onyx and Obsidian Beads? Contact our support team via email at info@beadsofcambay.com or call +1-877-255-5058 to get clarification for all your questions. Our Expert Support Team will be happy to assist you. To learn more about other gemstones, visit our blog section and get answers to all your questions.