Once in a while when unusual combinations of gemstones are placed together, they appear to bring out colors that are not obvious when looking at the stones by themselves. Although blue is not a common color to be found in Onyx, sometime the white, cream or ivory colored striping will have a slightly bluish tinge..
Such is the case with this necklace combination of a very large striped Onyx pendant combined with Black Agate (Onyx) barrels and rondel beads and then highlighted by the unique gemstone called Kyanite, along with silver bead highlights. French hook earrings of matching Kyanite beads and Black Agate (Onyx) rondels complete the set.
.
.
STRIPED ONYX - Onyx is a cryptocrystalline form of Quartz. Striped Onyx is a redundant statement since true Onyx will have color bands that range from white to almost every color (save some shades, such as purple or blue). Commonly, specimens of Onyx that are seen in the market place contain bands of colors of white, tan, and brown. Pure black Onyx is actually Dyed Agate or poor grades of Onyx where the stripes have been dyed to black..
BLACK AGATE (Onyx) which is truely a died black Agate, is more common and perhaps the most famous variety, but not as common as natural Onyx. Onyx is a crypyocrystalline form of Quartz. The colors of its bands range from white to almost every color (save some shades, such as purple or blue). A picture of a true Black Onyx specimum is seen at the left. True specimens of Onyx contain bands of colors of white, tan, and brown. As stated, the pure black form which most people know as Onyx, is not a naturally occuring variety. Black Agate or poorly colored Onyx is heated and dyed black to come up with the pure black form so well liked within the jewelry industry..
KYANITE is one of three minerals to have the same chemical composition . These are Kyanite, Andalusite, and Sillimanite. Kyanite is the high pressure polymorph, Sillimanite is formed at high temperature, and Andalusite is the low pressure polymorph. Occasionally, clear and very colorful blue Kyanite is encountered. This material is highly prized by those who cut gemstones, especially the bluer the piece of rough is. It can be cut as a cabochon, faceted, or used to produce beads and pendants. Kyanite is considered to be an "exotic" gemstone because it is not often used in jewelry..
.
