mineral
Onyx (Black) and Mother of Pearl Inlay
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) for Onyx; Aragonite (CaCO3) for Mother of Pearl
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: Onyx 6.5-7, Mother of Pearl 3.5; Color: Jet black and iridescent white/rainbow; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Structure: Cryptocrystalline to organic biomineral layers.
- Hardness
- Onyx 6
- Color
- Jet black and iridescent white/rainbow
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: Onyx 6.5-7, Mother of Pearl 3.5; Color: Jet black and iridescent white/rainbow; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Structure: Cryptocrystalline to organic biomineral layers.
Formation & geological history
Onyx is formed by the deposition of silica in gas cavities in lava. Mother of Pearl is an organic-inorganic composite material produced by some mollusks as an inner shell layer.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry, ornamental carvings, and decorative inlay work (intarsia).
Geological facts
Black onyx is often treated with heat or chemicals to achieve its uniform black color. Mother of pearl, or nacre, is the same material that pearls are made of.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the high-contrast black backdrop against iridescent flakes. Often featured in Southwestern or Zuni-style silver jewelry.
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