{"product_id":"hand-carved-mexican-onyx-stone-chess-set-small-7-5","title":"Chess Set Hand Carved Mexican Onyx Stone - Small 7.5","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWhat You're Receiving\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003ehand-carved Mexican onyx chess set\u003c\/strong\u003e in the small 7.5\" format, crafted entirely from genuine natural stone — onyx, travertine, or both — depending on your selected color combination. Every piece on the board, from pawns to kings, is individually carved from the same stone as the board itself, creating a unified, sculptural object as much as a game.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBoard Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Genuine Mexican onyx and\/or travertine (varies by color variant)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCraft:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-carved by artisans in Mexico — no two sets are identical\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor Variants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pink \u0026amp; Gray, Pink \u0026amp; White, Black \u0026amp; White, Travertine \u0026amp; White, Travertine \u0026amp; Black, Gray \u0026amp; White, Ice Green \u0026amp; Black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUse:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully functional chess set and permanent display piece\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGeological Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMexican Onyx:\u003c\/strong\u003e Despite its commercial name, Mexican onyx is technically a banded calcite or aragonite (CaCO₃) — a sedimentary stone formed by mineral-rich spring and cave waters depositing calcium carbonate in translucent, flowing layers. Distinct from true silicate onyx (a variety of chalcedony), it is softer and more translucent, with a characteristic warm glow when backlit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMohs Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–4 — softer than quartz-based stones, which allows for the fine detail carving that defines these sets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural color variation in Mexican onyx spans cream, honey, pink, green, gray, and near-black, produced by trace iron oxides, manganese, and organic inclusions within the calcite matrix.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTravertine:\u003c\/strong\u003e A terrestrial limestone (CaCO₃) formed by rapid precipitation from hot spring or river water. Its characteristic pitted surface and warm banding complement onyx's translucency in two-tone sets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Puebla and Oaxaca states of Mexico are the primary sources of gem-quality carving onyx, mined and worked by artisan communities with multi-generational craft traditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHistorical \u0026amp; Cultural Significance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnyx and calcite stone carving has been central to Mexican artisan culture since pre-Columbian times. The Aztecs and earlier Mesoamerican civilizations carved calcite and alabaster into ritual vessels, masks, and deity figures. After Spanish colonization, Mexican artisans adapted their stone-carving traditions to produce decorative objects for export, and onyx chess sets became one of the most recognized expressions of this craft globally. The Puebla region in particular developed a reputation for fine onyx carving that persists today, with family workshops passing techniques across generations. Chess itself — originating in 6th-century India and spreading through Persia and the Islamic world into medieval Europe — meets one of the world's oldest stone-carving traditions in this object.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMetaphysical \u0026amp; Energetic Properties\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOnyx (Black):\u003c\/strong\u003e Root chakra stone — associated with grounding, protection, and mental focus; historically used as a talisman against negative energy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGreen Onyx\/Calcite:\u003c\/strong\u003e Linked to the heart chakra — associated with emotional balance, growth, and calm decision-making.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTravertine:\u003c\/strong\u003e Considered a stone of stability and patience — qualities that align naturally with the strategic nature of chess.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Instructions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWipe with a soft, dry or barely damp cloth — avoid soaking or prolonged water contact, as calcite is water-soluble over time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep away from acidic substances — vinegar, citrus, and acidic cleaners will etch and dull the polished surface.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStore chess pieces in a lined box or soft pouch when not in use to prevent chipping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid dropping pieces on hard surfaces — at Mohs 3–4, onyx and travertine can chip or crack under impact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Rare Earth Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Pink \u0026 Gray (Gray Boarder)","offer_id":44555619205209,"sku":"OCS-S-P\/G-B-MAZ","price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pink \u0026 White (Pink Boarder)","offer_id":44555619237977,"sku":"OCS-S-P\/W-A","price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \u0026 White","offer_id":44555619270745,"sku":"OchSet51S-MMT","price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Travertine \u0026 White","offer_id":44555619303513,"sku":"OChSet25-MXG","price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Travertine \u0026 Black (Black Boarder)","offer_id":44555619336281,"sku":"OchSet26-MXG OCS-S-T\/B-A","price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Travertine \u0026 Black (Travertine Boarder)","offer_id":44555619369049,"sku":"OCS-TT\/B-B","price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Gray \u0026 White (Gray Border)","offer_id":44555619401817,"sku":"OchSet41-AZN OCS-S-G\/W-A","price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Gray \u0026 White (White Boarder)","offer_id":44555619434585,"sku":"OCS-S-G\/W-C-MDT","price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Ice Green \u0026 Black","offer_id":44555619467353,"sku":"OCS-S-IG\/B-A","price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/9096\/0473\/files\/Photoroom_20251209_140911.jpg?v=1787240354","url":"https:\/\/earthlytreasuresgallery.com\/products\/hand-carved-mexican-onyx-stone-chess-set-small-7-5","provider":"Earthly Treasures Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}