We are near Ephesus. Onyx accessories are manufactured by a little factory belonging to one family, as it is accustomed in Turkey. Maybe, only in Turkey can they handle this stone so that it looks like a jewel! It is not surprising, because this area is famous for its onyx.
"This onyx", an old craftsman held a green bowl in his hands, "is rich in copper. If you have liver or blood problems, fill this bowl with water or coke before you go to sleep, and drink it next morning on an empty stomach..."
White onyx is rich in calcium. Therefore, people with weak bones, women older than 50, and pregnant women should drink water from cups made of white onyx. Finally, black onyx is rich in iron. The most valuable things are made of onyx that contains all the three colours. In addition, in this factory you will be taught how to see whether onyx is genuine or not.
"This ring", said the craftsman standing by his bench "is made of fake onyx. You know how they made it? They took dust of a genuine onyx, pressed it, gave the form they needed, and covered with lacquer. It looks just like genuine but we, having a great experience of work with onyx, see the fake immediately..."
He put the ring into cold water, sat down an armchair and offered us tea. Tea in Turkey is served in tine glasses, but it is amazingly dark, tasty and energetic. Ask for something lighter if you order tea here. However, while the old man was drinking tea with tourists, I went out to the factory yard. An old Turkish lady cleaning the yard said something in Turkish; I understood that she had three children. Then, in birds’ language she explained how they rubbed onyx with green leaves to give it a unique, specific colour. Then she showed me an onyx cat with a bell on her neck surrounded by little mice, and asked me to call the guide. The guide came, and the woman asked whether I would like to hear a short fairy tale. Of course, yes!
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