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Onyx is a beautiful, translucent stone that comes in multitude of contrasting colors. The colors of onyx are soft and sensuous, almost fragile looking. The pastel shades of golden honey, minty greens, and swirly browns feel erotic. There are bands or lines of contrasting color running throughout the stone contributing to it’s unique color characteristics. Onyx is a visual feast for the eyes.

In contemporary décor. Onyx is gaining popularity as an interior design material for properties in the top end of the residential and commercial market. Onyx is quite rare, compared to other natural stones, which is partly responsible for the relatively high prices it commands.

This exotic natural stone is about luxury and glamor. The transmitter of light. An exquisite and unique stone which is expensive. It is a form of marble which is millions of years old.

It’s been used for centuries to adorn places of worship and ward off evil spirits. Some say it provides comfort, relieves stress, and calms the heart. The translucent beauty of this stone is a real head turner. It works wonderful where you can accent the stone and use underlighting or backlighting to draw attention to it’s translucent qualities. Onyx marble can be purchased in tile form or in large slabs for a versatile look and feel.

Onyx is a calcerous marble and is often found in limestone caves. Water dissolves the existing limestone and redeposits it. It is quartz crystals fused together into translucent layers of stone. This stone is also used as a mineral gem.

MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Abrasion Resistance Absorption

All onyx has a very low abrasion resistance rating. It will scratch, stun and crack. All onyx has naturally occurring cracks and fissures. Onyx is a softer stone best placed where it won’t be used or abused on a day to day basis. It is porous and needs to be sealed.

Absorption

Most onyx has a moderate absorption rating and will stain when exposed to oil and highly pigmented liquids. Onyx will absorb water and liquids easily which tend to stain the stone. Once a stain is absorbed into onyx, it is extremely hard to remove. It is very important to seal the surface once the onyx is installed.

Acid Sensitivity

Onyx is a calcareous stone and prone to etching and staining from acids such as ketchup, lemons, alcohol, and household cleaners. Great care is needed to maintain the natural beauty of this stone.

HELPFUL TIPS

  • Onyx is very fragile and must be handled with extreme care in both fabrication and installation.
  • Onyx is suitable for interior wall applications, but not the best option for floors. Always consider the abrasion resistance rating. Use walk-off mats at entrances and expect the material to patina rapidly if used for flooring.
  • Onyx is sometimes used on vanities and other non-food service countertops; in these instances, the end user must be made aware of it’s acid sensitivity and fragility.
  • Always use a neutral detergent to clean onyx.
  • Expect to see factory-repaired cracks and fissures. The quality of the repair is dependent upon the factory of origin, the fabricator of the stone and the installer.
  • Always seal onyx after installation.
  • Not recommended for kitchen countertop applications.
  • To reduce the appearance of staining, always wipe up spills immediately. Oil and highly pigmented liquids can penetrate and stain the stone and may need poultice to remove the stain.

APPLICATIONS AND FINISHES

Application

The looks achieved by using onyx are one of a kind. If you are comfortable with the care onyx needs and love the unique and exotic look, choose Onyx.

Careful consideration is needed when using Onyx marble in your home. Think of your lifestyle and circumstances before committing to Onyx as a countertop surface or a bar top.

  • Onyx marble is most often used as a fireplace surround.
  • Bar top, or as a small island because it transmits light.
  • Other uses include interior wall cladding.
  • Light duty residential floors.
  • Bathroom vanity.
  • Tables and novelty items such as vases, urns, lamps, wine goblets, and bowls.

Finishes

  • Polished
  • Honed

View Available Onyx


Disclaimer:

Please note that the information on this page is a general summary of industry-accepted standards and tips regarding natural stone considerations, applications and care. We have compiled this information to help you in your stone selection and care. MGSI is not involved in geological testing and has no formal proof of the information presented in the article and relies on industry wide information and standards. MGSI will not be responsible for any direct or indirect claims and damages, resulting from the improper application and/or interpretation of this information. Please note that natural stone varies substantially. Ask your stone specialist what works best for your project

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