Onyx is a banded stone not unlike agate. It was formed from limestone so it is a soft stone. Color variation comes from dissolving and redepositing of the limestone. Colors of this strikingly luminescent stone vary from white to black and every color in between. The appearance and color of onyx change with the variations in light. This makes it an exciting building material.
Walk into a slab yard or stone showroom and ask to see their onyx slabs, and you are likely to get a wide-eyed response from the sales person. Oooh. Onyx. Follow me.
It’s truly an extraordinary stone; wherever it is used it will take center stage. There is no artist greater than our very own Earth for the sheer variety of materials and patterns we can bring into our homes. In keeping with its magical look, onyx has a bit of mystique. It’s beautiful, but what is it?
Onyx isn’t limited to slabs though. It can be formed into basins, lighting fixtures, or tabletops. One of the most extraordinary qualities of onyx is its ability to radiate light. Any application that takes advantage of this quality is sure to make a beautiful statement.
This greatly under-utilized material is versatile and elegant allowing it to look good almost anywhere. Onyx is considered luxurious in the world of stone for many reasons. This softer stone is considered more delicate than other natural stones including marble and that delicacy has its advantages and disadvantages. Although onyx kitchen countertops are beautiful, they are not as practical as granite countertops and require more care.
The subtle coloration contributes to its unique appeal, as does the translucency of onyx, which allows light to shine through in certain applications. It makes a bold focal point in commercial spaces where it can be accented with embedded lighting or backlighting to showcase its grandeur.
Onyx can be finished with a polished surface, which results in a silky look that deepens the color and highlights the veining. A slightly honed finish results in less reflectivity and refined, understated allure.
