Honey Onyx

Honey onyx, while not truly onyx, does have the beautiful bands that are typical of onyx, in a rich honey color.  While true onyx is microcrystalline quartz, honey onyx is actually calcite.  It is quite common for banded calcite to be called onyx, or “cave onyx”.  This semi-translucent stone is quite popular and has many uses from jewelry to countertops to table ware.  Because it is relatively soft, it is easy to carve into a variety of shapes.   However, it is not too soft, such  that it will fall apart easily.

Calcite is considered the scholar’s stone, as it is thought to boost memory and concentration.