Is The Black Onyx Really Black?

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The black onyx, the most popular among all of the varieties of onyx, is actually gray chalcedony. The rich black color is the result of profuse chemical treatment. In order to bring out the black, the gray stone is saturated with a solution of cobalt chlorate and chlorammonium. Immersion of the stone for an extended period in a sugar solution and then heating in sulphuric acid to carbonize the sugar also leave the stone with a brilliant black color. This stone has a moderate hardness ranking 6.5 – 7 on the mhos scale. Its texture makes it ideal for carving and is choice for material lapidary artists.

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