Pale pink like the first blush of dawn, rose quartz has long been prized for the way it flatters the wearer with its soft tones. Found in masses rather than crystals, its major sources are in Central and Northern Europe. Though the gem was known in Antiquity, it was generally quite rare. Though the gem was known in Antiquity, it was generally quite rare. An early bead dating to the 7th century BCE comes from Megiddo, and rose quartz was used for intaglios and other jewelry from the Classical Greek period through Late Roman times. According to Easter belief, rose quartz is the cornerstone of the heart charka and as such comforts the heart from all wounds past and present. It creates a soft energy that is both emotionally and physically soothing to the wearer. The stone is symbolic of Venus, ancient goddess of Love, and promotes happiness, harmony and balance. A gem of contrasts, onyx is chalcedonic quartz frequently layered in different shades of contrasting color, most commonly polar opposites of black and white. Found in both the old and new worlds, onyx was used by the Classical Greeks and Romans to carve cameos and other personal jewelry, and by the tribes of ancient Mexico to make masks and sacred ritual objects. Alexander the Great particularly favored onyx and many small cameo portraits of him survive from antiquity, when they were thought to bring good fortune of this fable ruler to the wearer. The gem is mentioned in the Old Testament Book of Exodus as figuring prominently in the breastplate of the High Priest. Its lustrous, rich polished surface—usually of deepest ebony black, rich green, or very pure white—makes it highly desirable stone for modern jewelry. The chief virtue of onyx as an amulet is that it seems to attract and absorb negative humors from the body of the wearer, causing relief from both physical pain and mental anxiety. Black onyx is especially thought to have unique properties, as black suggests both the presence of all colors and the absent of light. For that reason, it serves as a buffer from pain, a defensive wall against evil and illness.