onyx

/'ɔniks/

Thân thiện

A jeweler carefully carves a cameo from a piece of onyx.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of chalcedony: "onyx" is a semi-precious variety of quartz (chalcedony) characterized by its parallel bands of color, most commonly black and white.
   • A material for carving: Historically and artistically, "onyx" is valued as a material for carving cameos, intaglios, and other ornamental objects due to its contrasting layers.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The artisan carved an intricate cameo from a piece of black and white onyx.
  • Her ring was set with a beautiful banded onyx.

Advanced Usage

• "Sardonyx": A specific variant of onyx where the bands are sard (a reddish-brown color) and white.
  • The ancient Roman seal was made from sardonyx.

Variants and Related Words

• Onyx marble: A banded calcite used for decoration, often confused with true silicate onyx. This is a related but distinct material.
  • The fireplace was adorned with onyx marble.

Synonyms

• Banded agate: Agate is a related form of chalcedony with bands, though typically more curved and multicolored than classic onyx.
• Chalcedony: The broader mineral category to which onyx belongs.

Different Meanings

• The term "onyx" is highly specific in mineralogy and gemology. It does not have widely divergent meanings. Its core meaning always relates to the banded silicate mineral.

Idioms

• There are no common idioms in English that use the word "onyx" as a standalone term. It is primarily a technical/noun term.

Phrasal Verbs

• Not applicable. "Onyx" is a noun and does not form phrasal verbs.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a chalcedony with alternating black and white bands; used in making cameos