Natural Onyx Stone in Pakistan

Being sourced now

We do not have onyx listed yet. We are sourcing natural stones and will add each one individually, with its own photos, once it passes our checks. Send a message on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888 with the colour, size or shape you want, and we will contact you when a suitable stone comes in. You can also email cod@gemstore.pk or use our contact page.

What onyx is

Onyx belongs to the chalcedony family, the same fine-grained quartz as agate (Aqeeq). It rates about 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. The difference between agate and onyx lies in the banding: agate usually shows curved, concentric bands, while onyx shows straight, parallel layers. Classic onyx is black and white; sardonyx has red-brown and white layers. Because the layers differ in colour, onyx has been carved into cameos and engraved seal stones for thousands of years.

Natural black onyx or dyed agate?

Pure, naturally black chalcedony is rare. Most black onyx sold anywhere is grey or pale agate that has been soaked in a sugar solution and then treated with acid, which leaves carbon in the pores and turns the stone an even, permanent black. The practice is centuries old and the colour is stable, but the stone should be described honestly, for example as dyed black onyx or dyed black agate. Signs to look for:

• Dyed stone: a deep, perfectly even jet black with no banding, even when a strong torch is held behind a thin edge.
• Natural black chalcedony: may show faint banding, slight variation in tone, or a little translucency at a thin edge.
• Black glass: may show round bubbles, mould marks or rounded edges, and warms quickly in the hand.
• Plastic: light, warm to the touch and easily scratched.

A lab can confirm chalcedony and often detect dye. See checking a gemstone before you buy and spotting dyed and glass Aqeeq.

Onyx and "onyx marble" from Balochistan

Pakistan is famous for green and honey-banded "onyx" carved into bowls, vases and tiles, much of it from Balochistan, including the Chagai area. That material is banded calcite, often called onyx marble, not gem onyx. It is much softer, at about 3 on the Mohs scale, can be scratched with a steel blade and fizzes with weak acid. It makes fine decorative pieces, but it is not suited to a ring stone.

Onyx, black agate and Sulemani

These names overlap in the trade. Black agate is usually the same material as black onyx, sold under a different name. Sulemani agate is banded agate with black, white or brown layers, close to onyx and sardonyx, and is especially valued in Pakistan. Other members of the family include Aqeeq, chalcedony and white agate.

Treatments

Dyeing is standard for black onyx, and some banded stones are dyed to strengthen contrast. Bleaching is sometimes used to whiten the light layers. When we list onyx, any known treatment will be disclosed on the listing.

What drives value

For black onyx, a deep, even black and a high, glassy polish matter most. For banded onyx and sardonyx, sharp, straight, well-contrasted layers are preferred. Freedom from cracks and chips comes next. Cut and finish count, since flat tablets for men's rings and engraved stones need crisp edges and a level surface. Natural colour, where proven, adds interest. Onyx is generally an affordable stone; see the gemstone price guide and our stones under 5,000 rupees.

Care

Onyx is hard enough for rings but slightly porous. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, and keep perfume, oils and strong chemicals away from it, as they can mark the surface or affect dyed colour. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and store it apart from harder stones.

Onyx in tradition

In many families, black stones such as onyx and black agate are traditionally worn for protection against nazar and as a steadying stone. In some astrology practice, dark stones are linked with Saturn. These are beliefs and customs, not promised outcomes. For any religious question about wearing a stone, ask a scholar you trust. See gemstones for protection and black gemstones.

Choosing onyx for a ring

Flat tablets and low cabochons are the classic shapes for men's onyx rings, often set in silver and sometimes engraved with a name or initials. Check that the stone sits level, that the bezel holds it without gaps, and that the polish is even right to the edge. See gemstone rings for men and chandi rings with stone.

Black and banded stones you can buy now

Browse black agate, Sulemani agate and hematite.

When a stone is listed, you will be able to order it with Cash on Delivery anywhere in Pakistan, open the parcel and inspect it before paying the rider, and return it within 7 days if it is not right for you. Orders are dispatched in 1 to 2 working days by insured, tracked courier. A certificate is available on request, and independent lab testing can be arranged.