Onyx
Available in a myriad of colors, onyx can be evenly colord or streaked with pale bands. Natural cream and gray onyx is occasionally referred to as sardonyx. Black onyx, which is almost always dyed, has been a traditional stone for men's rosary beads. It was thought to calm ardor and bring about a soothing influence for men. Sardonyx was regulated by law during the Middle Ages as the only gemstone that could be used or worn by commoners. Onyx is composed of silicon dioxide, and its hardness on Moh’s scale is 7. Mexico is an important source of onyx.

Use Onyx For: It's a chameleon stone. In its traditional black color, it's still the preferred stone for men's rosaries, and you can combine it with obsidian, hematite, and other masculine stones. Reach for it during Lent and Holy Week, but don't forget that black is a perfect foil for vivid beads, metals, and stones, especially ethnic beads. Natural onyx is soft, soothing, and humble.

Shown at left: Rosary of natural onyx (sardonyx).

Pearl
The most valuable are created by salt-water oysters and are perfectly round and colored pure white or black. These are rare and have been prized throughout the ages and in all cultures. Everywhere, pearls represent purity, innocence, and integrity. In the book of Revelations, the Gates of Heaven are made of pearls. The pearl is the national gemstone of Saudi Arabia, France, the Philippines, and India. They are the traditional birthstone for June and are given as gifts for the thirtieth wedding anniversary as well as for First Communion. Most pearls today are “cultured;” that is, a small irritant is inserted within the shell of the oyster creating the pearl. Freshwater pearls are the product of a small mussel. Cultured pearls of inferior quality have only a thin layer of nacre (the substance secreted by the oyster) over a large piece of the irritant material. These will wear out quickly. Pearls are soft and fragile. More and more saltwater Akoya pearls are becoming available. Watch out for quality in these!

Use Pearls For: Just about everything! Honor the Virgin, commemorate a wedding or First Communion, contemplate the beauty of the sea itself.

Shown at left: Akoya pearls and vintage Swarovski crystal.

Turquoise
Turquoise was considered a lucky stone by an enormous cross-section of cultures from Natives of the American Southwest to Arabs, Turks, and the Hindus. Each Native American shaman owned a piece of turquoise, and it was used in religious ceremonies and sacred sand paintings. Because the stone can fade or lose its color, it was viewed by some cultures as a barometer of health or a measure of fidelity in love. It is mentioned in the Bible that Isaac opened the turquoise mines of Persia. It is the traditional December birthstone. Composed of copper aluminum phosphate, turquoise has a hardness of 6 on Moh’s scale. Even the best turquoise can fade, and it should be protected from light and heat. Be on your guard! There is a lot of inferior turquoise around, and it is very difficult to distinguish from fine examples of the real thing. Look for guaranteed American turquoise. It is often stabilized, and this can be desirable, as it can fade and is a soft stone.

Use Turquoise For: Again, a versatile stone. It harmonizes with stones and beads as diverse as trade beads, silver, carnelian, onyx, coral, and a world of others.

Shown at left: Turquoise from the legendary Sleeping Beauty Mine in Arizona in the perfect "Persian Blue."