onyx, variety of cryptocrystalline quartz, differing from agate only in that the bands of which it is composed are parallel and regular. Its appearance is most striking when the bands are of sharply contrasting colors; black and white specimens are often used for cameos. Onyx was used in Roman times for the fabrications of vases and cups. Sardonyx contains onyx and carnelian or sard. "Onyx marble," "Mexican onyx," and "Oriental alabaster" are terms applied to travertine.

Striped, semiprecious variety of the silica mineral agate with white and black alternating bands. Other varieties include carnelian onyx, with white and red bands, and sardonyx, with white and brown bands. Its properties are the same as those of quartz. Onyx is used in carved cameos and intaglios because its layers can be cut to show a colour contrast between the design and the background. It is found worldwide, but chiefly in India and South America.

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Onyx is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kern County, California, United States. The population was 476 at the 2000 census.

Geography

Onyx is located at (35.687683, -118.217511).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 11.6 square miles (29.9 km²), all of it land.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 476 people, 197 households, and 128 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 41.2 people per square mile (15.9/km²). There were 281 housing units at an average density of 24.3/sq mi (9.4/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.49% White, 0.21% Black or African American, 1.89% Native American, 0.63% from other races, and 3.78% from two or more races. 4.62% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 197 households out of which 22.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.0% were non-families. 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the CDP the population was spread out with 24.4% under the age of 18, 4.0% from 18 to 24, 19.5% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 28.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.5 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $16,058, and the median income for a family was $29,583. Males had a median income of $31,818 versus $13,438 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $9,370. About 25.7% of families and 34.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 52.1% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Images

References

External links

• River stage and discharge: South Fork Kern River near Onyx.
• Kangaroo Rat report (PDF) - CA Resources Agency, Dept. of Fish and Game