Onyx Marble is an exotic and luxurious natural stone, valued for its translucency and light passing property, unique colours, and exotic beauty. It is a popular option for upscale architectural and interior design applications . Here in this article we will understand what onyx marble is, onyx marble types, prices and if onyx is a marble, granite or something else entirely.
What is Onyx – Marble or Not?
Onyx is technically not a marble,even though it is usually mistaken for a type of marble due to its striking remeblance with marbles.
Onyx (Calcite Onyx/Travertine Onyx): Forms from the deposition of calcium carbonate from cold water solutions in caves, hot springs, or stalactites. It often has parallel banding and is highly translucent.
Marble: Forms through metamorphism of limestone under high pressure and temperature, which results in a denser structure with interlocking calcite crystals.
Properties of Onyx Marble
- Translucent: This stone produces a luminous appearance by letting light through.
- Colorful: It has vivid designs in tones of red, brown, and green.
- Soft: More likely to scratch because it is softer than standard marble.
- Porous: As it is porous, it needs to be sealed to avoid discoloration – hwoever, most manufacturers use resin manufacturing technology making this not a necessity anymore
Can Onyx Marble be Used Outdoors?
Yes, onyx marble can be used outdoors but it is not recommended due to its delicate nature and poor weather resistant qualities.
What is Onyx Used For?
Wall Cladding or Facades
Onyx marble is a beautiful material for exterior wall cladding, particularly in places that are shielded from the elements, such as covered courtyards or beneath roofs. It can produce an eye-catching impact because of its vivid color patterns and transparent properties
Outdoor Sculptures & Art Pieces
Onyx marble is frequently used in outdoor sculptures, fountains, and other artistic installations because of its stunning veins and colors. As long as they are not subjected to severe weather or severe impacts, these items can survive outside environments.
Outdoor Decorative Accents
Onyx marble can also be utilized for accent pieces, tiny outdoor tables, and garden borders. These applications work best in more controlled environments or places with minimal exposure to harsh weather.
Onyx Origin – Where does it come from?
Calcium carbonate, which is normally found in limestone or dolomite deposits, naturally crystallizes to form onyx marble. This process takes place over millions of years at high temperatures and pressures, frequently in caves or other geological formations where the rock and mineral-rich water mix.
Where is Onyx found in the world?
Iran is one of the world’s leading producers of onyx marble, which is mostly sourced from Mexico, Pakistan, Turkey, and Italy. High-quality onyx from these areas is well known, and its distinctive color variations make the marble extremely desirable for luxury uses. The natural veining within each slab of onyx, which is usually mined from quarries, can vary significantly based on the deposit’s depth and location.
What is so Special about Onyx Marble?
- The work of stone and many qualities gives it a unique character. Despite not being marble, this stone is usually classified as marble because of its characteristics.
- The stone’s translucent surface allows light and shadow to interact, adding depth and complexity and creating a visually arresting focal point in any area.
- Onyx marble is valued for its distinct texture and feel in addition to its visual appeal. Onyx marble is lighter and more delicate than regular marble, which is usually hard and solid.
- It has a softer, nearly velvet-like texture on its polished, smooth surface.
- Due to its softness, onyx marble can be more difficult to deal with because it is more likely to scratch and break than other kinds of stone.
- It has been incorporated into many types of architecture, design, and art. Because of its alleged magical properties, onyx was highly valued in ancient societies and frequently utilized in places of worship or fashioned into decorative items.
- Onyx marble is used for decorating and art, especially in upscale establishments like upscale dining establishments, boutique hotels, and upscale housing developments.
Is Onyx – Marble or Granite?
Onyx is a different kind of stone with special qualities of its own; it is neither granite nor marble.
Onyx is a type of chalcedony, a mineral belonging to the quartz family, as opposed to marble and granite, which are both naturally occurring stones created by the metamorphism and crystallization of other minerals. Onyx is created by the deposition process, frequently with water present, in limestone caverns and other sedimentary settings.
From greens, reds, yellows, and browns to whites and blacks, onyx is renowned for its vivid hues. The stone is frequently transparent, which enhances its aesthetic appeal, and these hues show up in lovely banded patterns
Compared to marble and granite, it is usually softer and more brittle, which increases the likelihood of scratches and other damage.
Marble and granite, on the other hand, are frequently utilized in more useful applications because they are both significantly harder and more resilient. Onyx is essentially distinct from marble in terms of composition, creation, and durability, although having certain cosmetic similarities.
Is Onyx a Type of Granite?
Onyx is a polished, smooth stone that is frequently translucent and has fascinating designs and hues including red, black, green, and white. Usually, onyx is used for ornamental items like sculptures, and worktops.
In contrast, granite is an igneous rock that is created when lava beneath the Earth’s surface cools and solidifies. It is distinguished by its resilience and speckled look and is mostly composed of mica, feldspar, and quartz. Granite’s strength and tolerance to heat and scratching make it a popular choice for countertops, flooring, and other structural applications.
Although they are both natural stones, onyx is softer and more brittle than granite, which is thick and long-lasting.
Comparison Between Onyx Marble & Granite
| Property | Onyx Marble | Granite |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Primarily made of calcite or aragonite, a form of limestone. | Made from quartz, feldspar, and mica. |
| Appearance | Translucent, with striking patterns and colors, often with a polished, glossy look. | Coarse-grained, available in various colors with a speckled appearance. |
| Durability | Softer than granite, more prone to scratching and chipping. | Very durable and hard, resistant to scratching and heat. |
| Strength | Generally weaker, can be brittle. | Strong and highly resistant to impact. |
| Maintenance | Requires more frequent sealing and careful cleaning. | Low maintenance, requires sealing but lasts longer. |
| Use | Often used for luxury applications like countertops, backsplashes, and decorative pieces. | Ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchen countertops, floors, and outdoor use. |
| Weather Resistance | Not very resistant to outdoor weather, can discolor or degrade. | Highly weather-resistant, ideal for outdoor use. |
| Finish Options | Available in high-gloss, polished finishes, often used for dramatic looks. | Available in a variety of finishes, including polished, honed, and leathered. |
| Environmental Impact | Less common and harder to source, potentially higher environmental impact. | More commonly available and sustainably sourced in many areas. |
| Installation Complexity | More delicate, requires special care during installation. | Relatively easy to install compared to Onyx. |
Which one is better?
Granite is a great option if you’re looking for something sturdy and useful for daily use. Onyx marble can be the ideal choice if you’re looking for something more opulent and aesthetically pleasing
How to Identify if it’s Onyx ?
Since imitation onyx can be produced rapidly in a factory, it is simpler to make. They also use far less expensive materials like glass or plastic – it is important to understand how to identify and spot if a stone is actually onyx or not. Here are some easy ways to identy onyx slabs:
- AUthentic onyx slabs are sliced from blocks, hence – look for signs of black cutting like irregular shapes,veining, – the edges of slabs must look like stone mined from the earth – not clean and finished like manufactured stone
- Onyx Can translucency that si unever across the slab – not the same amount of translucency throughout.
- Natural veining and variation in slab colour and pattern throughout the block.
Pros & Cons of Onyx
Pros of Onyx
1. Light Weight
Onyx may be used in a variety of inventive ways because it is lighter than many other natural stones.
2. Translucent Properties
Onyx’s remarkable beauty is derived from its ability to let light through when it shines behind the stone. Onyx’s translucency also makes it velvety to the touch.
3. Long-Lasting Nature
Like many natural stones, onyx may survive for a very long period, so as long as you maintain your onyx slabs and tiles regularly, you won’t need to replace them.
4. Colorful and Patterned Look
Onyx comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, so it will be simple to select onyx tiles and slabs that precisely match your home decor.
Cons of Onyx
1. High-maintenance
Onyx stones need special care and attention when being cleaned and maintained. It should be sealed once a year to prevent scratches and stains if it will be used as a work surface.
2. Fragile & Delicate
Onyx is more likely to sustain damage due to its fragility. You can reinforce this pliable material by covering the bottom with a layer of fiberglass.
3. Expensive & High Labour Costs
Onyx is one of the priciest natural stones, but it’s also pricey for other reasons, such labor, installation, and upkeep.
4. Porosity & Easily Scratched
As onyx is a natural stone, its surface is porous, which reduces its resistance to stains and scratches unless they are sealed once a year. If you plan to use onyx tiles for flooring in high-traffic areas, you should exercise particular caution.
Need more help?
Feel free to get in touch for a free consultation, quote, and get a detailed understanding from our experts here at Petros®. Visit https://petrosstone.com/ or call +91-8446360361 and WhatsApp
Cot Ca Gold Granite
Black Wave Polished Granite
China White Granite
Pearl White Granite
Marquina Leather Granite
Red Lakha Granite
