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ONYX.
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the Onyx par eminence ; and as a diminutive presenting a curious analogy with the original name ονύχυον. A
most absurd derivation for the modern name is current, that the stone
was so called after a certain famous (and fabulous) artist Nicolo, who
worked in it in preference to any other ; equally ridiculous with that
given by Camillo Leonardo from Nicolaus, in Greek the " conqueror of
nations," in virtue of which designation it makes the wearer victorious
in battle. A remark nevertheless valuable as testifying to the
existence of the name Nicolo for this gem amongst the Italians of the
15th century.
This
variety, or more truly, this method of cutting the stone and giving it
its characteristic appearance, was unknown in Grecian art, the intagli
occurring in it being invariably in the Roman style, and in style all
posterior to the reign of Nero.
As
an additional proof that the Nicolo was the Roman Onyx, we have the
curious fact recorded by De Boot (writing on immemorial authority) : "
That sort of the Onyx is the first in value and estimation which is of
a bluish tinge, having a black layer underneath ; and is especially
sought after by the Jews, for they have a constant tradition that this
bluish Onyx was one of the number of the Twelve Stones, and therefore
they reverence and value it highly" (ii. 111).
But
to return to the definitions of the early Greek mineralogists. Such a
species of many-coloured quartz as they describe, partly opaque,
partly transparent, full of lines, eyes, and spots, would now be called
an Agate, rather than an Onyx. Indeed Isidorus (Origg. xvi. 11), by a
singular anticipation of the modern nomenclature, describes the Achates as
" black, having in the middle white and black circles joined together
and veined." Such a description exactly applies to that finest specimen
of antique work in Agate anywhere preserved, the leopard's head in the
Townley Collection, admirably sculptured in full relief, and as large
as the head of an actual tom-cat :l the stone marbled
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