Onyx- A Mystifying Natural Stone

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 its unique color characteristics. Onyx is a visual feast for the eyes.

                                                              

While most architects and interior designers opt for marble walls and flooring, onyx is a relatively new variation that has made an appearance in the market. It is a variation of the Quartz stone that is available in a range of colors such as white, lavender, pink, grey, blue, orange, and more. The most exciting factor why more and more users have been switching to onyx is its translucency and attractive patterns. 

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 glamour. 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 under lighting or back lighting to draw attention to its 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 counter tops; in these instances, the end user must be made aware of its 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 prior installation

Not recommended for kitchen counter top 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

Onyx is used in several places such as corporate buildings, residential complexes, bungalows, schools, weekend homes, farmhouses, hotels, and more. In a nutshell, onyx looks good everywhere. Since it has a remarkably glossy look and fresh vibe to itself, onyx can instantly transform any place into a classy and luxurious abode. They not only add texture to your living space but also provide massive scope for experimenting with the interior design ideas. 
                                                             

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.

Enhance the bathroom space with onyx

The bathroom space is one of the best areas to use onyx in your home. While designing any property, you can add onyx to the bathroom mirrors and sides. It is the perfect material to fit into backlit spaces. Other alternatives for using onyx are wash basins and lamps. The most significant advantage of onyx is that you can dye it into any color.

Onyx furniture designs are newly trending

It is a common misconception that onyx cannot be used in furniture pieces. Some great ideas are onyx stools, tabletops, and counters. They gel well with the wall colors and make the property look more cheerful. You may also employ them for water features and sculptures. Highlight the lobby area, bars, desk bottoms, and slabs. To conclude, onyx works well for every part of the house.

Improve the bedroom decor with onyx

Last but not least, improve the bedroom decor with onyx. How about using it to cover a section of the wall? Or, the back of the dressing table's mirror? Either way, your living space will look more elegant and elite. Place stools or comfortable sofas in front of the onyx wall to create a magnificent waiting and photo spot at home.

Finishes

Polished

Honed