mexican onyx: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal / Technical (Geology, Antiques, Decorative Arts)
Quick answer
What does “mexican onyx” mean?
A translucent banded calcite (a carbonate mineral) often used for decorative objects and carvings, historically and misleadingly marketed as a form of onyx.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A translucent banded calcite (a carbonate mineral) often used for decorative objects and carvings, historically and misleadingly marketed as a form of onyx.
A decorative stone prized for its smooth, waxy lustre and colourful parallel bands, typically in shades of brown, red, yellow, and white. It is a common material for souvenirs, small sculptures, bookends, and lamps.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in both varieties of English. The geological distinction between calcite and true onyx is recognised globally.
Connotations
Slightly antiquated or tourist-market connotation. May imply decorative rather than high-value gemological use.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language. Slightly more common in American English due to geographic proximity and historic trade, but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “mexican onyx” in a Sentence
[Noun] made of Mexican onyxThe [object] was crafted from Mexican onyx.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mexican onyx” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The mineral cannot be verbed.
American English
- The mineral cannot be verbed.
adverb
British English
- The mineral cannot be adverb-ed.
American English
- The mineral cannot be adverb-ed.
adjective
British English
- The Mexican-onyx figurine was surprisingly heavy.
- He specialised in Mexican-onyx carvings.
American English
- The Mexican onyx figurine was surprisingly heavy.
- He specialized in Mexican onyx carvings.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the antiques, interior design, and souvenir trade to describe material. e.g., 'The lot includes a pair of Mexican onyx bookends.'
Academic
Used in geology, archaeology, and art history, often with the caveat that it is a misnomer. e.g., 'The artifact, described in the catalogue as Mexican onyx, is actually calcite.'
Everyday
Rare. Might be used when describing a decorative object. e.g., 'My grandmother brought back a Mexican onyx ashtray from her trip.'
Technical
Used with precision, typically specifying 'calcite marketed as Mexican onyx' or using the preferred term 'onyx marble.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mexican onyx”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mexican onyx”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mexican onyx”
- Using 'Mexican onyx' as a synonym for true (silicate) onyx.
- Capitalising 'onyx' when not starting a sentence ('Mexican onyx', not 'Mexican Onyx').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a misnomer. True onyx is a silicate mineral (chalcedony/quartz). 'Mexican onyx' is a carbonate mineral (calcite).
It is primarily used for decorative objects such as figurines, lamps, bookends, tiles, and small carvings due to its attractive bands and ability to take a high polish.
The most accurate terms are 'onyx marble' or 'calcite alabaster'. It is a banded form of the mineral calcite.
A simple hardness test: calcite (Mexican onyx) is much softer (3 on Mohs scale) and can be scratched with a copper coin. True onyx (chalcedony) is much harder (7) and cannot be scratched by a knife.
A translucent banded calcite (a carbonate mineral) often used for decorative objects and carvings, historically and misleadingly marketed as a form of onyx.
Mexican onyx is usually formal / technical (geology, antiques, decorative arts) in register.
Mexican onyx: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛksɪkən ˈɒnɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛksɪkən ˈɑnɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MEXICAN ONYX is a CALCIte COSTume. It's calcite dressed up (as a costume) to look like true onyx.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MATERIAL FOR ARTIFICE (The name itself is a kind of 'costume' or 'disguise' for the true mineral.)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason 'Mexican onyx' is considered a misnomer?