The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1891-03-07
A CHAPTER ON ONYX.
Interesting Facts Concerning Its Histor.
and Uses.


In speaking about onyx it must be
borne in mind that there are three vari-
cites, differing materially, although gem
orally confounded by the public. Tho
most valuable variety is the sardonyx OF
the ancients, usually classified as pre-.
cious stone. In this variety, white stripes
alternate with stripes of dark red car
nelian called sard. 1t is very rarely
found.
Real onyx is species of agate, or to
speak more scientifically, a kind of
variegated chalcedony. 1t is formed of
alternating white and black, or white
and dark brown stripes of chalcedony,
and sometimes third color of stripes
occurs. 1t always has been extensively
| used for canoes and ornamental pur-
poses.
Onyx is referred to in several in
stances in the Bible. 1t was the eleventh
stone in the breastplate of the high
priest, and was therefore, included
among the sacred stones of the Hebrews.
In small quantities and in the form of
pebbles it is found in India, Britain,
Germany and South America; but no.
where is it found in such masses or in
such beauty as in Mexico.
Onyx marble, sometimes called cal
cerous alabaster, is stalagmite chal-
cedony, in which the layers have been
deposited in parallel bands. You know
how stalagmites are formed, by the
dripping of water in caves. Well, onyx
marble is made in just the same way.
1t comes in all colors; but opal white,
with cream or reddish or green tints
and markings, are the most popular
varieties. Occasionally one meets with
piece that is lovely opal color, with
cloudy effects. This is among the most
beautiful specimens.
| Among the ruins of ancient Rome and
Carthage there have been found, from
time to time, fragments of pillars and
architectural ornaments made of onyx.
Antiquarians and historians tried for
years to ascertain the source from which
the supply was derived. Their efforts
were useless, however, until 1S49, when
Frenchman, a Mr.. Delamonte, dis
covered the quarries, near Oned-Abdal-
lah, in Algeria.
The veins were pretty nearly worked
out, however, by the old quarrymen,
and only little onyx resulted from the
find; but public interest was awakened
in the material, and Algeria and other
countries were ransacked by prospec-
tors, but without success, until the
Mexican mines were CHANGED on. The
Mexican and the old Algerian onyx are
identical.
The material is so beautiful and so
available for ornamental purposes, that
the demand is already eXhausting the
supply. 1t is said that immense de-
posits have been discovered in Mis-
souri, cave, but at present all the onyx
marble in use comes from the Tecali
mines, that are situated about thirty-five
miles from the City of Mexico.
There are deposits of a marble in
| California that has certain resemb blance
to the true onyx, but it's likeness van
ishes directly it is put side by side with
the real article.
At Tecali the onyx is cut out in suita.
bly-sized slabs and shipped north to be
polished and manufactured. In view OF
the hardness of the material the mining
of the mineral is difficult matter. II
bears an excellent polish, but this is
only obtainable by special machinery
and much care. The cutting and saw
ing of it, too, has to be carefully done
lest the natural assures in the onyz
cause it to split.
At the recent Paris exhibition there
was a superb display of manufactured
onyx The stone, thanks to that dis
play, was at once adopted by the nota
bles who visited the exhibition, ant
Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales
were among the heaviest purchasers. L
has maintained its deserved popularity
ever since.-W. S. Bates, in Colder
Days.