Cameo is a general name for all gems cut in relief, in contradistinction to those hollowed out, or intaglios. More particularly, a cameo is a gem composed of several different-coloured layers having a subject in relief cut upon one or more of the upper layers, an under layer of a different colour forming the ground. Eor this purpose the ancients used the onyx, sardonyx, agate, etc. The shells of various molluscs are now much used for making cameos; and they are also imitated on glass and other materials. Research Cameo
The Farnese were an illustrious Italian family of Italy, whose descent may be traced from about the middle of the 13th century, and which gave to the church and the Republic of Florence many eminent names. The line became extinct with Antonio Farnese in 1731. The name of the Farnese is associated with several famous buildings and works of art. The Farnese Palace, at Rome, was built for Pope Paul III while he was cardinal, by Sangallo and Michael Angelo. Its sculpturegallery was formerly very celebrated, but the best pieces have been removed to Naples, including the following: The Farnese Bull, a celebrated ancient sculpture representing the punishment of Dirce, discovered in the 16th century in the Baths of Caracalla at Home; Farnese Hercules, a celebrated ancient statue of Hercules by Glycon, found in the Baths of Caracalla in 1540; Farnese Flora, a colossal statue of great merit, found in the Baths of Caracalla; Farnese Cup, an antiqueonyxcup, highly ornamented with figures in relief. Research Farnese
Since the Middle Ages the term alabaster has been applied to a compact variety or sulphate of lime, or gypsum, of a fine texture, and usually white and translucent, but sometimes yellow, red, or grey. It is carved into vases, mantel ornaments, etc. In ancient times the term alabaster was applied to a hard, compact variety of carbonate of lime (onyx), somewhat translucent, or of banded shades of colour. A variety of carbonate of lime, closely resembling alabaster in appearance, is used for similar purposes under the name of Oriental alabaster. It is usually stalagmitic or stalactitic in origin and is often of a yellowish colour. It may be distinguished from true alabaster by being too hard to be scratched with the nail. Research Alabaster
Chalcedony is a cryptocrystalline, translucent variant of quartz comprised of silica, having usually a whitish colour, and a lustre nearly like wax.
Chalcedony was named after Chalkedon, near Istanbul. It was traditionally used for decorative objects and amulets. It has a relative hardness of 7. When chalcedony is variegated with spots or figures, or arranged in differently coloured layers, it is called agate; and if by reason of the thickness, colour, and arrangement of the layers it is suitable for being carved into cameos, it is called onyx. Chrysoprase is green chalcedony; carnelian, a flesh red, and sard, a brownish red variety. Research Chalcedony
Onyx (named on account it resembles the colour of a fingernail) is a variety of chalcedony, similar to agate but featuring straight, rather than curved bands. Research Onyx
An ephod was a species of vestment worn by the Jewish high-priest over the second tunic. It consisted of two main pieces, one covering the back, the other the breast and upper part of the body, fastened together on the shoulders by two onyx stones set in gold, on each of which were engraved the names of six tribes according to their order. A girdle or band, of one piece with the ephod, fastened it to the body. Just above the girdle, in the middle of the ephod, and joined to it by little gold chains, rested the square breastplate with the Urim and Thummim. The ephod was originally intended to be worn by the high-priest exclusively, but a similar vestment of an inferior material seems to have been in common use in later times among the ordinary priests. Research Ephod
The Ojibwa (formerly the Onyx) is a Canadian Oberon Class patrol submarine of 2030 tons displacement, launched in 1964. She has a speed of 12 knots surfaced; 17 knots dived and 10 knots snorkelling and a range of 9000 miles surfaced at 12 knots. She carries a crew of 65 including seven officers. She is equipped with eight 21 inch torpedo tubes (six at the bow, two in the stern), and carries twenty Gould Mk 48 Mod 4 dual purpose torpedoes. Research Ojibwa
HMS Onyx was a British Algerine Class minesweeper of 950 tons displacement launched in 1942. HMS Onyx was powered by two 3-drum type boilers providing a top speed of 16.5 knots. She carried a peacetime complement of 85 and between 104 and 138 in war. For defence she was armed with one 4-inch dual-purpose gun; four 40 mm anti-aircraft guns and two depth charge throwers. Research Onyx
HMS Onyx is a British Oberon Class patrol submarine of 2410 tons displacement dived launched in 1966. HMS Onyx is powered by two Admiralty Standard Range 16 VMS diesel engines providing a top speed of 17 knots dived and a range of 9000 miles at 12 knots surfaced. She carries a crew of 69 including seven officers and is armed with six 21 inch bow torpedo tubes taking the MarconiTigerfish Mk 24 Mod 2 torpedo or mines in place of torpedoes. Research Onyx II
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Cameo
