Onyx (Heb. shôham; Gr. sardonux). The onyx or onyx of our days is a form of chalcedony, related to the agate, although with different color bands. However, the precious or semi-precious stone called shôham cannot be identified with certainty. Some believe that it is carnelian or carnelian. Shoham was found in the antediluvian land of Havilah (Gen 2:12) and in Eden (Eze 28:13). It was the 2nd gem in the 4th row of the high priest’s breastplate (Exo 28:20; 39:13); On 2 of these stones, fixed to the shoulders of his ephod, were engraved the names of the 12 tribes of Israel (28:9-12). Job observes that wisdom and understanding is of more value than such a gem (Job 28:16). The translation of the Greek word refers to a variety of precious stone whose identity is not certain. It was the 5th foundation of the New Jerusalem that John saw (Rev 21:20).
Source: Evangelical Bible Dictionary
see MINERALS
Source: Hispanic World Bible Dictionary
Precious stone (Job 28:16). A variety of chalcedony. It is not possible to know exactly which one is mentioned in the scriptures, as there are many, such as carnelian, sardonyx, chrysoprase and others. It is formed by mixing quartz and amorphous silica. It presents different colors in parallel areas, predominantly light green, white and black. It was used to make ornaments, especially rings, cameos, and sealing tools. It was abundant in Arabia (Gen 2:12). The clothing of the high priest included two stones of o. on the shoulders, with the names of six of the tribes of Israel engraved on each of them (Exo 28:9-12). Similarly, in the †¢pectoral was included, in †œthe fourth row† a stone of o. with the name of one of the tribes (Exo 28:20). In the description of the clothing of the king of Tyre, usually considered as a prophetic reference to Satan, the o is mentioned. (Eze 28:13). In the vision of the new Jerusalem one of the foundations of the wall is o. (Rev 21:20). †¢Precious stones.
Source: Christian Bible Dictionary
type, PIED
see, PRECIOUS STONES
vet, = “nail”. Precious stone on each shoulder piece of the ephod and on the breastplate of the high priest. The Hebrew term is “shosham”, which receives five different translations in the LXX. His identity is uncertain (Gen. 2:12; Ex. 25:7; 28:9, 20; 35:9, 27; 39:6, 13; 1 Chron. 29:2; Job. 28:16; 28:13). (See PRECIOUS STONES.)
Source: New Illustrated Bible Dictionary
Semi-precious gem, hard variety of agate; the term also applies to a form of chalcedony with colored bands. It has white coats that alternate with black, brown, red, gray or green ones. It seems that the pale color produced by the combination of the red layers showing through the translucent white layers of this stone reminded the Greeks of the nail, called o·nyx in Greek. Since ancient times onyx has been used in ornaments, rings and beads. Its layers of various colors made it an especially popular gem for cameos.
The “land of Havilah” was rich in onyx at the dawn of history. (Ge 2:11, 12) Onyx stones were among the valuable things contributed to the manufacture of Israel’s tabernacle vessels. (Ex 25:1-3, 7) The “names of the sons of Israel, in the order of their births,” were engraved on two onyx stones (six names on each stone) placed on the shoulder pads of the high priest’s ephod. priest †œas memorial stones for the sons of Israel† . Another onyx stone was engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and was placed in the center of the fourth row of stones of the high priest’s “judgment breastplate.” (Ex 28:9-12, 15-21; 35:5, 9, 27; 39:6-14.)
Later David personally prepared many valuable things—among which were onyx stones—for the construction of the future temple in Jerusalem. (1Ch 29:2) In the dirge recorded by Ezekiel, onyx is also mentioned among the precious stones that served as a figurative “covering” for the “king of Tyre.” (Eze 28:12, 13) Recognizing the value of wisdom, Job said that divine wisdom could not be bought with “the rare onyx stone” or other precious things, for such wisdom is priceless. (Job 28:12, 16)
Source: Dictionary of the Bible