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What is the difference between black onyx and caviar?

Black onyx is a gemstone, while caviar is a luxury food made from fish eggs. They come from completely different worlds—one is geological, the other biological—and they diverge in composition, use, and value.

Composition and appearance

Visual and material differences

The two items are often compared by appearance, but their make-up is fundamentally different. Here are the core characteristics that set them apart.

A variety of chalcedony, a microcrystalline form of silica (SiO2). It is typically opaque black and may show white or gray banding. Commonly cut as cabochons or faceted stones and polished for jewelry; hardness is about 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale. Color can be uniform through dyeing or natural with banded patterns.

Fish eggs (roe), usually from sturgeon but also from other species. The spheres range in color from black or gray to golden, depending on species and processing. The texture is firm yet creamy, often with a briny finish from salt curing. It is edible and consumed fresh or refrigerated, not polished or cut as a gemstone.

Onyx forms through geological processes deep underground as silica-rich layers in sedimentary rocks. Caviar is produced by female fish as eggs during spawning and harvested for culinary use.

Onyx is not edible and is used for adornment and decoration. Caviar is edible and requires careful handling and refrigeration to maintain quality and safety.

In short, onyx is a mineral valued for its appearance and durability, while caviar is a food product prized for its texture, flavor, and luxury status.

Uses, value, and care

These items occupy very different markets and require different kinds of care and handling. The following highlights how they are typically used, priced, and maintained.

The following list summarizes common uses, price considerations, and care tips for each item.

Onyx is used in jewelry (rings, necklaces, earrings), inlays for furniture and architectural accents, and decorative carvings. Caviar is used as a luxury food topping or ingredient, often served with blinis, toast points, or alongside other delicacies.

Onyx generally offers relatively affordable to mid-range jewelry options, with price driven by color, banding, cut, and size. Caviar prices are high and can vary dramatically by species (e.g., beluga, osetra, sevruga) and origin; genuine sturgeon caviar tends to command premium prices and is subject to regulatory restrictions.

Onyx jewelry should be cleaned with mild soap and water, dried thoroughly, and kept away from harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Store pieces separately to prevent scratching. Caviar requires strict refrigeration, should be kept unopened until serving, and once opened, kept on ice and consumed promptly to preserve flavor and safety.

Onyx mining can impact local ecosystems and communities, so responsible sourcing matters. Caviar production is tightly regulated in many regions due to sturgeon conservation concerns; consumers increasingly seek certified, sustainably sourced options and may encounter imitation caviars.

Overall, the value and handling of each item reflect their distinct natures: onyx for aesthetics and durability, caviar for culinary luxury and freshness.

Origins and regulation

Beyond appearance and use, the two come from very different origins and are governed by different sets of rules and market dynamics.

Onyx is found in various parts of the world—from Mexico and Brazil to India and Italy—and is mined as a mineral. Caviar comes from fish eggs, with traditional sources including wild sturgeon in the Caspian Sea and Black Sea regions, as well as farmed populations worldwide.

As a gemstone, onyx is a natural material with standard jewelry industry grading but no special food-safety considerations. Caviar is regulated as a food product in many countries, with labeling requirements and trade controls (including CITES considerations for some wild sturgeon species) to protect endangered populations and ensure quality and safety.

Demand for caviar has driven conservation efforts and aquaculture innovations; onyx supply is influenced by mining practices and market demand for decorative stones. Buyers increasingly seek responsibly sourced or certified options in both categories.

These origins and regulatory realities help explain why the two items sit at opposite ends of consumer markets and why they are rarely confused in practice.

Summary

Black onyx and caviar differ across almost every dimension: material composition (mineral vs. biological product), primary use (jewelry/decor vs. luxury cuisine), handling requirements (careful polishing vs. careful refrigeration and serving), and market dynamics (relatively stable jewelry supply vs. tightly regulated food trade). Understanding these distinctions clarifies why they share little beyond a dark, glossy appearance in some contexts yet operate in completely separate industries. For shoppers and diners alike, recognizing the fundamental differences helps avoid confusion and ensures appropriate sourcing, handling, and enjoyment.

Is Lexus Black Onyx metallic?

Code 202, Black Onyx is Toyota's most commonly used solid color (no pearl or metallic in this one) black on most makes and models. UreChem paint is expertly formulated for durability and vibrant color.

How to tell if a black stone is onyx?

Check your black onyx for parallel bands.
Even if it appears to be a solid color, you may still be able to see some sort of parallel bands running through the stone. If it has bands, it's probably real black onyx.

What's the difference between caviar and black?

The main difference is that caviar is specifically the roe (eggs) of the sturgeon fish, while "black" in the context of caviar typically refers to sturgeon roe that is dark in color and prized for its rich, buttery, and complex flavor. In contrast, "red" caviar is a more accessible term for fish roe from other species, such as salmon, which has a distinct briny and salty flavor.

Feature	Black Caviar (Sturgeon Roe)	Red Caviar (Salmon Roe)
Source	Sturgeon fish	Primarily salmon, but also trout or other fish
Color	Typically black, but can range from gray to brown or even gold	Typically orange-red
Flavor	Rich, clean, and buttery with a creamy texture; can have nutty or briny undertones depending on the type	Briny, salty, and fishy with a distinct pop when eaten
Texture	Delicate and creamy	Firmer with a distinct pop
Cost	Generally more expensive due to the rarity of sturgeon	More affordable and accessible

True caviar: Only roe from sturgeon is considered true caviar, and it often has a dark color.
Color and quality: The color of sturgeon caviar can vary, but a lighter gray or silvery hue can sometimes indicate a more mature sturgeon and a higher quality product.
Flavor variation: Different sturgeon species produce different flavors. For example, Beluga caviar is known for being mild and buttery, while Sevruga is more intense and briny.

What to know about "red" caviar

Not true caviar: Despite being called "caviar," red roe comes from non-sturgeon species like salmon and is technically fish eggs, not true caviar.
Flavor and texture: It has a strong, salty, and fishy flavor with a texture that pops in your mouth.
Versatility: Red caviar is often used to add a burst of flavor to dishes like sushi, canapés, and breakfast foods.

Is Lexus caviar color black?

Yes, Lexus Caviar is a black color, but it's not a flat black; it's a metallic, mica-based black with fine flakes that give it a unique, shimmering appearance. This gives it a different look compared to a true, flat black like Obsidian. The color can appear to be different shades, sometimes looking like a dark gray or a deep, sparkly black depending on the lighting.

Metallic Flake: Caviar paint has metallic flakes in it that catch the light.
Variable Appearance: The color can look like a rich, dark black in low light but will show its metallic and shimmering qualities in the sun.
Comparison to other blacks: It is different from a true, non-metallic black like Obsidian or Black Onyx, which are flat colors.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.