When it comes to jewelry and gemstones, it can be difficult to tell what is real and what is fake. This is especially true of the beautiful and eye-catching Black Onyx Stone. Luckily, with a few simple steps, you can easily determine if a Black Onyx Stone is real or not. In this blog post, we will provide you with the information you need to identify a genuine Black Onyx Stone.
The Basics Of Black Onyx
Black Onyx is a popular gemstone that has been around for centuries. It is a variety of quartz, and like other varieties of quartz, it has a glassy, crystalline look. Black Onyx is most often used in jewelry and can range in color from jet black to brownish-black. The texture of the stone is smooth, and it has a shine to it that catches the light and reflects it back. Black Onyx is an opaque stone and is considered to be semi-precious in nature. It is also commonly used as a contrast to other stones such as Citrine Stone, which are more transparent in nature.
Physical Properties Of Black Onyx
Black onyx is a type of agate quartz that is known for its beautiful deep black color and glossy sheen. It’s often used as a semi-precious gemstone for jewelry and other decorative items. The physical properties of black onyx vary depending on the stone, but it is typically very hard, with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. This means that it is harder than citrine stones and other soft gemstones, so it can withstand daily wear and tear. It also has a moderate specific gravity, usually around 2.5-2.7, so it is not overly heavy or light. Additionally, black onyx has a slightly glassy appearance, which adds to its unique beauty.
How To Test If A Black Onyx Stone Is Real
When it comes to testing a black onyx stone to determine if it is real, there are several methods you can use. One of the simplest methods is to examine the stone with a loupe or magnifying glass. If the stone is real, it will be reflective and have a smooth and even surface with no inclusions.
You can also perform a scratch test. Take a sharp object like a knife or a needle and lightly scratch the stone’s surface. If it’s real, it should not scratch easily and should leave only a small mark. For comparison, you can do this same test on a Citrine Stone, which scratches much more easily.
Other tests that can help identify a real black onyx include weighing the stone on a scale and testing its thermal conductivity. You can also test its hardness by rubbing it against another stone with an established Mohs hardness, such as quartz. Finally, you can consult a gemstone expert for their opinion on whether the stone is real or not.
Factors That Affect The Value Of Black Onyx
When it comes to the value of black onyx, there are several factors to consider. The clarity and cut of the stone, its origin, and the carat weight all have an effect on the value of a black onyx gemstone.
The clarity of a black onyx is determined by how many inclusions, or flaws, are visible within the stone. The clearer the black onyx is, the higher its value will be. A black onyx with few or no inclusions will be more valuable than one with numerous inclusions. The cut of the stone also plays a role in its value.
The origin of a black onyx also has an effect on its value. Black onyx that is mined in certain parts of the world,, may be more valuable than onyx that is mined elsewhere.
Finally, the carat weight of a black onyx also has an influence on its value. Generally speaking, the larger the black onyx is, the more expensive it will be. However, this is not always the case, as a larger but lower quality black onyx may not be as valuable as a smaller but higher quality stone.
When comparing the value of black onyx to other gemstones such as citrine, it’s important to note that not only do different factors affect each stone’s value, but also that these values can change over time due to market fluctuations.
