John,
This is authentic natural onyx – the kind that was traditionally
used before the black dyed chalcedony subsumed the name. Such stones
were cut/carved mainly in Idar-Oberstein, Germany but are no longer
very popular. Some possible suppliers are the Stone House of Max
Schuster, Rochelle Park, N.J. (the last address I had), and George C.
Houston of Los Angeles. Sorry I don’t have current contact
Both of these houses used to carry a large line of
stones from Idar. If they don’t have what you need, chances are
they’ll be able to refer you to someone who does. Another possibility
(just occurred to me) is Allan A. Goldman Inc., New York (800 -
634-8497). Good luck.
Rick Martin