Onyx

A hail; claw; hoof, (Heb. shoham), a precious stone adorning the breast-plate of the high priest and the shoulders of the ephod (Ex. 28:9-12, 20; 35:27; Job 28:16; Ezek. 28:13). It was found in the land of Havilah (Gen. 2:12). The LXX. translates the Hebrew word by smaragdos, an emerald. Some think that the sardonyx is meant. But the onyx differs from the sardonyx in this, that while the latter has two layers (black and white) the former has three (black, white, and red).

(a nail) is the translation of the Hebrew shoham ; but there is some doubt as to its signification. Some writers believe that the “beryl” is intended; but the balance of authority is in favor of some variety of the onyx. (“The onyx is not a transparent stone, but as the color of the flesh appears through the nail (Greek onyx) on the human body, so the reddish mass which is below shines delicately through the whitish surface of the onyx. There are several varieties. White and reddish stripes alternating form the sardonyx; white and reddish gray, the chalcedony. When polished it has a fine lustre, and is easily wrought into a gem of great beauty.”-Rosenmiller.

O'NYX, one kind of chalcedony; a precious stone, Ex 25:7; Eze 28:13, exhibiting two or more colors disposed in parallel bands or layers. The Hebrew word shoham is uniformly so translated in the Bible. Opinion is divided as to the exact meaning of the term. Josephus says the onyx is meant. It was found in the land of Havilah, Gen 2:12, and was evidently of high value, as it is mentioned among precious stones and metals. Job 28:16; Eze 28:13. It adorned the breastplate of the high priest and the two shoulders of his ephod.Ex 28:9-12, Ruth 4:20. David also collected onyx-stones for the adornment of the temple. 1 Chr 29:2.

O'NYX, one kind of chalcedony; a precious stone, Ex 25:7; Eze 28:13, exhibiting two or more colors disposed in parallel bands or layers. The Hebrew word shoham is uniformly so translated in the Bible. Opinion is divided as to the exact meaning of the term. Josephus says the onyx is meant. It was found in the land of Havilah, Gen 2:12, and was evidently of high value, as it is mentioned among precious stones and metals. Job 28:16; Eze 28:13. It adorned the breastplate of the high priest and the two shoulders of his ephod.Ex 28:9-12, Ruth 4:20. David also collected onyx-stones for the adornment of the temple. 1 Chr 29:2.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

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.