What Is The Significance Of Black Onyx In Popular Fantasy Novels?

I’ve always been fascinated by how black onyx is used in fantasy novels as a symbol of power and mystery. It’s often carved into amulets or rings that grant protection or dark abilities, like in 'The Name of the Wind' where it’s mentioned as a material for arcane artifacts. The stone’s deep, glossy black makes it perfect for villains or brooding heroes, adding a layer of visual storytelling. It’s also tied to necromancy in many worlds, like in 'The Bone Witch' series, where onyx is used in rituals to commune with the dead. The way authors describe its weight and coldness makes it feel almost alive, like it’s absorbing light—and sometimes souls. Its recurring role as a 'cursed gem' in stories like 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' cements its reputation as a stone of danger and allure.

Black onyx in fantasy novels is more than just a pretty rock—it’s a narrative powerhouse. I love how it’s often the cornerstone of worldbuilding, especially in darker tales. Take 'The Priory of the Orange Tree,' where onyx is used to seal ancient evils, its unyielding surface representing unbreakable oaths. It’s also a favorite for crafting weapons; in 'The Stormlight Archive,' Shardblades sometimes have onyx hilts, symbolizing their deadly purpose.

Another layer is its cultural significance. In 'The Daevabad Trilogy,' onyx is sacred to djinn, believed to hold fragments of their magic. This ties into real-world myths where onyx was thought to ward off negativity, but fantasy flips it—here, the stone often attracts chaos. I’ve noticed it’s rarely just decorative; it’s a plot device. For instance, in 'Six of Crows,' a heist revolves around stealing an onyx necklace that’s secretly a key to a prison. The stone’s versatility in stories—from armor in 'The Poppy War' to cursed jewelry in 'The Cruel Prince'—shows how authors exploit its aesthetic and symbolic weight to deepen their lore.

To me, black onyx in fantasy is like the ultimate mood-setter. It’s the go-to gem for authors who want to add a touch of gothic elegance or sinister vibes. In 'A Darker Shade of Magic,' it’s used as a focus for blood magic, its opacity mirroring the moral ambiguity of the characters. I’ve lost count of how many times it’s the 'chosen stone' for dark lords—think Sauron’s armor in 'The Lord of the Rings,' though Tolkien never names the material, fans often imagine it as onyx.

What’s cool is how it contrasts with other gems. In 'The Witcher' books, onyx is often paired with silver, creating a visual metaphor for balance between light and dark. It’s also a staple in necromantic lore; in 'Gideon the Ninth,' onyx chips are used in resurrection rituals. The stone’s real-world associations with grief and protection get twisted into something grander in fantasy—like in 'The Broken Empire,' where an onyx throne symbolizes tyranny. Its recurring role proves that in fiction, a stone can carry as much weight as a sword.