Onyx \O"nyx\, n. [L., fr. Gr. ? a claw, finger nail, a veined
gem. See Nail, and cf. Onycha.]
(Min.)
Chalcedony in parallel layers of different shades of color.
It is used for making cameos, the figure being cut in one
layer with the next as a ground.
Onyx marble, a banded variety of marble or calcium
carbonate resembling onyx. It is obtained from Mexico.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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Chalcedony \Chal*ced"o*ny\ (k[a^]l*s[e^]d"[-o]*n[y^] or
k[a^]l"s[-e]*d[-o]*n[y^]; 277), n.; pl. Chalcedonies
(-n[i^]z). [ L. chalcedonius, fr. Gr. CHalkhdw`n Chalcedon, a
town in Asia Minor, opposite to Byzantium: cf. calc['e]doine,
OE. calcidoine, casidoyne. Cf. Cassidony.]
(Min.)
A cryptocrystalline, translucent variety of quartz, having
usually a whitish color, and a luster nearly like wax.
[Written also calcedony.]
Note: When chalcedony is variegated with with spots or
figures, or arranged in differently colored layers, it
is called agate; and if by reason of the thickness,
color, and arrangement of the layers it is suitable for
being carved into cameos, it is called onyx.
Chrysoprase is green chalcedony; carnelian, a flesh
red, and sard, a brownish red variety.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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