Quick answer: black onyx is a form of chalcedony quartz, hard (about 7), with an even, waxy black polish. Black obsidian is natural volcanic glass, softer (about 5 to 5.5), with a glassy shine and sharp, shell-shaped fractures. Both are worn for protection, grounding and nazar (evil-eye) defence. Obsidian is traditionally considered the more intense, "mirror" stone, onyx the steadier, more disciplined one. Onyx suits daily wear better because it is harder. GemKrishna sells both, and our black onyx is natural, untreated black onyx, with a lab report on every piece that identifies which stone you have, from ₹549.
Black onyx vs black obsidian at a glance
| Black onyx | Black obsidian | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz) | Natural volcanic glass |
| Hardness | About 7 | About 5–5.5 |
| Lustre | Waxy to glassy, very even black | Very glassy; may show sheen or flakes |
| Breaks | Grainy, dull fracture | Sharp, curved (conchoidal) fracture |
| Traditional meaning | Discipline, self-control, steady strength, protection | Strong protection, absorbing negativity, self-reflection |
| Daily wear | Excellent | Good, with care |
Is GemKrishna's black onyx natural? Yes
GemKrishna's black onyx is natural black onyx: untreated, with its black colour as it formed, confirmed by the lab report that comes with every piece. This matters because, in the wider market, much of the cheap "black onyx" sold online is grey or white chalcedony that has been colour-treated (dyed and heated) to look black, and some is simply black glass or plastic. Obsidian is also naturally black. Whichever you buy, and from whichever seller, ask for a lab report that names the stone and records whether it is treated. At GemKrishna, the report travels with your bracelet, and the listing states the same.
The obsidian family
- Black obsidian: pure black; the classic protection stone.
- Snowflake obsidian: black with white "snowflake" patches of cristobalite; associated with balance and calm.
- Silver sheen obsidian: shows a silvery shimmer from tiny gas bubbles aligned in the glass.
- Golden sheen obsidian: a golden shimmer; associated with confidence and purpose.
- Rainbow obsidian: shows coloured bands of sheen when lit from the side.
Meaning, nazar and astrology
- Nazar and negativity: both stones are traditionally worn against buri nazar. See nazar dosh remedies.
- Grounding: root-chakra stones for anxious, scattered energy.
- Saturn: black stones are commonly associated with Shani in Indian tradition, though neither is a classical Navratna stone.
- Signs: black obsidian is our Scorpio zodiac bracelet stone, golden sheen obsidian our Sagittarius stone, and black onyx features in the Scorpio and Aquarius six-stone bracelets.
These are traditional beliefs, not guaranteed outcomes. For the strongest traditional protection stone, also read about black tourmaline.
Products and prices at GemKrishna
| Piece | Approx. price |
|---|---|
| Black obsidian 6 mm bracelet | ₹549 |
| Snowflake obsidian bracelet | ₹599–₹1,399 |
| Black obsidian bracelet with charm | ₹749 |
| Natural black onyx anklet | ₹799 |
| Natural black onyx Om bracelet | ₹999 |
| Natural black onyx tumble bracelet | ₹999 |
| Silver sheen obsidian bracelet | ₹1,140 |
| Golden sheen obsidian oval bracelet | ₹2,299 |
| Natural black onyx 925 silver Nazar Kavach bracelet | ₹3,199 |
| Raw black obsidian, 100 g to 1 kg | ₹1,300–₹4,000 |
How to tell them apart, and spot fakes
- Chips and edges: obsidian chips with sharp, shell-like curves; onyx chips look grainy.
- Sheen: silver, golden or rainbow sheen means obsidian, not onyx.
- Weight: both are light compared with hematite, which is far heavier.
- Man-made black glass is sold as obsidian or onyx; it often shows round bubbles and moulding marks. Black plastic beads feel warm and very light.
- Lab report: the only reliable way to know which stone, and whether it is treated.
Buying from GemKrishna
- Lab report with every piece, mainly from GJSPC; IGI, GRS, IIGJ, GSI or GIA on request. It identifies onyx or obsidian and confirms our black onyx is natural.
- Bracelets made to your wrist, stretch-tested and filmed before dispatch.
- Free selenite plate, gift and repair kit, and a full refund if a piece is shown not to be what we stated.
More on how we certify every stone: where to buy genuine lab-certified gemstones and crystals in India.
Care
- Obsidian is glass: avoid dropping it on hard floors, and store it away from harder stones.
- Onyx is hard and easy to care for; clean with water and a soft cloth.
- Cleanse both on the selenite plate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between black onyx and black obsidian?
Black onyx is chalcedony quartz, hard and evenly black. Black obsidian is natural volcanic glass, softer and glassier, with sharp fractures.
Which is better for protection, onyx or obsidian?
Obsidian is traditionally considered the stronger, more intense protection stone; onyx is steadier and better for everyday wear. Many people choose black tourmaline as well.
Is black onyx natural?
Black onyx is a natural chalcedony. GemKrishna sells natural, untreated black onyx, confirmed by the lab report with every piece. In the wider market, much cheap onyx is dyed chalcedony or glass, so always ask for a lab report.
Where can I buy genuine black onyx or obsidian online in India?
GemKrishna sells natural black onyx and black, snowflake, silver-sheen and golden-sheen obsidian, each with a lab report, from ₹549.
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