ONYX

onyx

(noun) a chalcedony with alternating black and white bands; used in making cameos

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

onyx (countable and uncountable, plural onyxes)

(mineral) A banded variety of chalcedony, a cryptocrystalline form of quartz.

A jet-black color, named after the gemstone.

Any of various lycaenid butterflies of the genus Horaga.

Adjective

onyx (not comparable)

jet-black

Proper noun

Onyx

A census-designated place in Kern County, California, United States.

Source: Wiktionary

O"nyx, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. Nail, and cf. Onycha.] (Min.)

Definition: 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 Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition