Nowadays, onyx is mined mainly in Brazil. In the past, significant quantities were also in quarried in Germany in the Idar-Oberstein area. Like agate, onyx is a variety of banded, i.e. layered, chalcedony. For 5,000 years now, black onyx has also been obtained by darkening the stone using honey or, later on, sugar water. Onyx is said to ward off disturbing influences and to help its wearers to come to terms with their karma. It is also believed to sharpen our eyesight and to improve our hearing, as well as our willingness to listen. In addition, onyx is said to have a beneficial effect on our nails, hair and skin. In homeopathic dilutions, it is used to treat earache. It is also believed to have a calming effect on its wearers, to make them more reserved, but also fearless, to boost their self-control, and to make for marital happiness.