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The Collaborative International Dictionary
Mexican onyx

Onyx \O"nyx\, n. [L., fr. Gr. ? a claw, finger nail, a veined gem. See Nail, and cf. Onycha.]

  1. (Min.) Chalcedony in parallel layers of different shades of color. It is used for making cameos, the figure being cut in one layer with the next as a ground.

  2. Same as Mexican onyx.

  3. A deep jet-black color.

    Onyx marble, Mexican onyx, a banded variety of marble or calcium carbonate resembling onyx. It is obtained from Mexico in various colors ranging from white to deep black.

Usage examples of "mexican onyx".

The room's focal point was the fireplace, carved from a pale jade-green Mexican onyx shot through with scarlet threads.