Mexican onyx

American  

noun

Mineralogy.

1. a translucent, banded variety of calcite, used for ornamental and decorative pieces.

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Etymology

Origin of Mexican onyx

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

In his own bathroom the gang chief likes to loll in a $10,000 tub carved. from a single piece of Mexican onyx.

From Time Magazine Archive

A grey and bitter recluse, he has been living in secret rooms in Kensington Palace, finishing the bronze, aluminum and Mexican onyx Clarence Memorial which he started 32 years ago.

From Time Magazine Archive

One of the weightiest pieces in the exhibition was Head of an Indian, done in 3,300 Ib. of Mexican onyx by Swedish Sculptor Carl Milles.

From Time Magazine Archive

"Oh, George!" he presently called across his slab of Mexican onyx; "come here."

From Under the Skylights by Fuller, Henry Blake

Italian marble, terra cotta and Mexican onyx are the principal materials used, and nothing "equally as good" is tolerated.

From My Native Land The United States: its Wonders, its Beauties, and its People; with Descriptive Notes, Character Sketches, Folk Lore, Traditions, Legends and History, for the Amusement of the Old and the Instruction of the Young by Cox, James