LET THE LEO ZODIAC SIGN CLAIM ITS SPOTLIGHT

From July 23rd to August 22nd, the sun positions itself within the fifth house of Leo. The Leo season marks the middle of summer and is the first fire sign in the astrological calendar. And for such an illustrious sign, a powerful zodiac stone is in order.

Enter the Onyx.

With its striking black color and smooth surface, Onyx is aesthetically pleasing and holds great fortune for any bold and confident Leo. Below, we will delve into the unique cosmic connection between Leos and Onyx and how both Leos and non-Leos can unlock the transformative and grounding spiritual powers of Onyx.

Let's get into it.

THE SHOW-STOPPING LEO

Grab the hook - the Leos have come to claim their stage from the Cancers! This spotlight-loving season beckons forth the energy needed to rightfully claim what is yours, encouraging you to take up space and feel yourself. You're fabulous after all!

WHAT ARE THE PROPERTIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE LEO ZODIAC SIGN AND ITS PEOPLE?

The symbol of the Leo zodiac sign is believed to be that of the Nimean Lion -the first of the beasts Hercules had to kill on Twelve Labors journey. As the story goes, the Nimean Lion would capture women to lure soldiers to its lair where it would then capture and kill them. As the lion had an impenetrable hide impervious to weapons, Hercules had to kill the beast by strangling it. After its death, Zeus placed the lion in the sky where he could live forever (without terrorizing others) as the zodiac sign Leo.

Leo is the fifth sign in the zodiac and its season takes place between July 22nd to August 23rd. Ruled by the sun in the fifth house, The Leo sun sign tends to be creative thinking and expressionistic. They are motivated by pleasure and status and like to be the center of attention. Leo loves to perform and can be quite dramatic at times. They are fiercely loyal friends and make wonderful leaders.

A fire sign, like their Aries and Sagittarius siblings, Leos are impulsive and energetic. They are very competitive and love to win. Leos tend to be self-confident, proud, and arrogant, but that doesn't mean they don't care about others; it's just that they have a hard time showing their softer side.

Finally, the Leo sign corresponds with the crown chakra. The crown chakra is located at the top of your head and is associated with spirituality, enlightenment, and connection to higher realms. It's also where you find your intuition and psychic abilities. As Leos are very high-energy, they are often able to tap into their intuition and psychic abilities with ease.

WHAT IS THE LEO BIRTHSTONE?

Because Leo season takes place over two months there are two possible birthstones for Leos to have: the Ruby and Peridot.

A (VERY BRIEF) OVERVIEW OF RUBY

Leos born at the tail end of July are lucky enough to receive the ruby as their birthstone. The carnelian-hued stone oozes self-confidence and is known for its ability to attract wealth and good fortune.

Rubies are an incredibly durable stone, the ruby has a Moh's score of 9 ranking it just below diamonds. This makes the ruby a great choice for those who want to wear their birthstone daily.

One thing to keep in mind about the ruby...it's not a ruby if it's not red! This can often get confusing particularly when comparing the chemical makeup of rubies to sapphires. In fact, the ruby only distinguishes itself from sapphire thanks to its red color. So remember, if you want to rock this red-hued gem, ensure that it is red.

A (VERY BRIEF) OVERVIEW OF THE PERIDOT STONE

On the flip side, Leo women and men born in August can enjoy the peridot stone as their birthstone. This refreshingly green gemstone features special properties and spiritual meanings that set it apart from other gemstones. Peridot, also known as "the Poor Man's Emerald" or the "Evening Emerald," is a vibrant green gem that deserves recognition in its own right.

Peridot is composed of gem-quality olivine, a silicate mineral found both in meteorites and within the Earth's crust. It forms under high-pressure metamorphism during tectonic activity such as mountain building or volcanism. This unique formation process gives peridot its distinct greenish-yellow hue and emerald-like luster.

Throughout history, peridot has been regarded as a significant gemstone. Ancient Egyptians believed it had protective qualities and healing properties, using it to guard against nightmares and ward off evil spirits. It was associated with the sun god Ra and referred to as the "gem of the sun". Greeks and Romans also held peridot in high regard, associating it with nobility and considering it the stone of their gods.

Peridot is not only cherished for its beauty but also for its spiritual and healing properties. It is believed to bring positive energy, promote abundance, and foster emotional well-being in addition to offering healing and spiritual thoughts.

WHAT IS ONYX?

If ruby is the July birthstone for Leos and the peridot is the August, then what is Leo's zodiac stone, Onyx and how is it different from the Leo birthstones?

Well, Onyx is a sleek and captivating black gemstone known for its smooth texture and dark color. This regal stone gets its name from the Greek word, onux, which means fingernail. This is fitting indeed as upon inspection an onyx stone can appear to resemble a delicate black fingernail. Onyx is most commonly found as black onyx and can also go by the names chalcedony or agate (In our opinion though, there's no cooler name than onyx).

WHAT ARE THE PROPERTIES OF ONYX?

Onyx is classified as a variety of microcrystalline quartz called calcedony and has a Mohs scale hardness from 6.5-7. An attractive stone, black onyx is the most common but other variations exist and brown, pink, red, and green onyx have been found.

Onyx is normally marked by a unique pattern of stripes across its surface, which form when volcanic lava cools down and separates into bands that remain visible on the rock. As onyx is formed thanks to volcanos, it can commonly be found in areas that once housed them, such as Brazil, Australia, and India.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF ONYX?

In ancient Egypt, for instance, onyx was used for seals and amulets and, during the Greco-Roman period, it was commonly used for cameos and intaglios. As we described above, the Greeks named onyx for its resemblance to a fingernail, and the Romans later adopted the term onyx from the Greeks to refer to gems with layered colors.

In medieval Europe, onyx was used for a variety of decorative applications, including works of art, religious objects, and jewelry. Onyx was also highly regarded for its protective properties, with ancient beliefs holding that it could counteract dark magic and protect its wearer from evil forces. In fact, people believed that wearing onyx could even protect them from the plague.

WHAT IS THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF ONYX?

Leo crystals, particularly onyx, have a deep-rooted spiritual significance across various belief systems. Regarded as a powerful stone of protection and strength, onyx is believed to serve as a spiritual shield, guarding its wearer against negative energies and influences. Its grounding properties help individuals stay anchored in the present moment, enabling them to overcome challenges and maintain focus even in difficult times.

Onyx's energy is said to possess remarkable healing qualities, particularly in the realm of emotions. It is believed to enhance emotional healing, offering stability and support to those grappling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. By promoting emotional equilibrium, onyx empowers individuals to navigate their inner landscapes with resilience and peace.

Symbolically, onyx represents transformation and change, serving as a potent talisman for personal growth. It signifies the initiation of new beginnings and is associated with personal power. Onyx encourages individuals to confront their fears and break through obstacles that hinder progress, fostering a mindset of self-improvement, empowerment, and embracing transformative experiences. Its resilient nature serves as a reminder that through adversity, strength and growth can be attained.

LEOS AND BLACK ONYX A MATCH MADE IN THE STARS

Whether you have a Leo moon sign, sun sign, or rising, you can expect to enjoy the many benefits of onyx healing crystals.

IS THERE AN ASTROLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE BETWEEN LEOS AND ONYX?

In astrology, it is believed that different gemstones have specific energies that can align with certain zodiac signs, thus having a beneficial effect on their lives. Onyx is often associated with protection and serves as a powerful way to repel negative energy while providing grounding and stability to the loud Leo personality. Its energy can help to amplify Leos' innate creativity and passion, as well as encourage them to take calculated risks and embrace transformational experiences while prioritizing emotional balance.

Leos would benefit from holding several healing stones in their hands throughout the day, including onyx and other protective stones such as black tourmaline, hematite, and amethyst. These crystals can help to calm Leos when they feel frazzled or stressed out, as well as reduce any negative energy that may be coming into their lives from others. Plus, they can bring grounding and chakra opening expansion to Leos solar plexus chakra and heart chakra. Of all of the Leo stones available, the onyx is a fabulous choice, as it can help to ground Leo’s energy while also helping them to develop a more mature sense of self-respect.

CELEBRATE THE LEO IN YOUR LIFE WITH STUNNING JEWELRY FROM OLIVIA EWING JEWELRY

Whether you're interested in honoring the astrological sign of your loved one or would prefer a birthstone, Olivia Ewing Jewelry can help! We offer a large selection of Zodiac and Birthstone jewelry, so you can find the perfect gift for anyone in your life. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else, our high-quality pieces are sure to impress!

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Meet the Author: Olivia Ewing