What is Onyx Marble? Benefits, Types, Applications

Are you considering onyx marble for your home? If so, it's a great decision. Its captivating translucency, stunning colors, and intricate patterns transform spaces into works of art. This versatile stone offers both luxurious aesthetics and functional applications.

In this blog, you’ll learn about the different types of onyx, its uses in design, and how to care for it to ensure its beauty lasts for years to come. By doing this, you will be able to make an informed decision.

What is Onyx Marble?

Onyx is a unique and captivating gemstone known for its striking beauty, often used in interior design in a similar way to marble. While technically not a true marble, onyx is prized for its remarkable translucency, which allows light to pass through, and its intricate banding and veining patterns that create mesmerizing swirls of color.

Its beauty and unique properties make it a popular choice for both luxurious design elements like statement walls and functional applications such as countertops, bowls, and decorative accents.

What Makes Onyx Marble Special

Translucency

Onyx's most defining characteristic is its translucency. Unlike most marbles, onyx possesses a degree of light transmission allowing it to glow softly when illuminated. This opens a realm of design possibilities, especially the striking effects achieved when onyx is backlit. Imagine a statement wall where the natural veining of the onyx seems to dance with light or a mesmerizing bar top that radiates a warm glow.

Color Range

Onyx offers a diverse and captivating color palette. From pristine whites and soft creams to vibrant greens, rich honey tones, and even dramatic blacks – each onyx slab embodies a unique landscape of color. Images are crucial here – showcase the breadth of onyx hues to let readers visualize its potential in their spaces.

Banding and Veining

Within each onyx slab lies a mesmerizing interplay of bands and veins, creating breathtaking swirls and patterns reminiscent of abstract paintings.  These patterns formed by natural processes over millennia, making each piece of onyx a one-of-a-kind work of art.

The Feel Factor

Onyx possesses a distinctively smooth, almost silky texture to the touch. It also remains naturally cool, adding a touch of refreshing elegance to countertops, vanities, and accent pieces.

Rarity and Exclusivity

While not as rare as some precious gemstones, onyx is less abundant than common types of marble. This contributes to its luxurious appeal and makes it a sought-after material for those seeking something truly distinctive.

Types of Onyx Marble

Onyx's beauty lies in its diverse color variations and patterns. Here are some commonly found types:

EMERALITE ONYX

A captivating choice, green onyx displays swirling shades of rich emerald, forest green, and sometimes lighter jade tones. It creates a striking and refreshing look, often with dramatic white veining.

AVORIO ONYX

Avorio Onyx is a luxurious natural stone characterized by delicate ivory and beige tones with swirling veins of caramel and brown. Its translucent quality and unique patterning create a captivating focal point in any interior design.

GLACIER WHITE ONYX

Pure white onyx offers a clean and timeless aesthetic.  While some varieties might be almost uniformly white, others feature subtle veining in cream or delicate gray tones.

CAPRICORN BLACK ONYX 

An onyx variety with a touch of drama, black onyx can range from deep, solid black to varieties with mesmerizing streaks of white and gray. It creates a bold and luxurious statement.

CLOVE PINK ONYX

Pink onyx offers a delicate and sophisticated touch to any space. Its color ranges from soft blush tones to bolder rose hues, sometimes accented by subtle veins of white or cream.

COSMOS ONYX

Brown onyx encompasses a range of earth tones, from warm caramel to deeper chocolate shades. Often featuring intricate veining patterns in white, cream, or gold, brown onyx offers a sense of natural beauty and grounding.

GLACIER WHITE ONYX

This is a descriptive category. Some onyx varieties feature distinct bands of alternating colors, creating a visually rhythmic and structured pattern.

How is Onyx Marble Used

Onyx's unique properties and captivating beauty make it a versatile material for both luxurious and functional applications in interior design:

Luxury Design Elements

Backlit Vanity Tops and Bar Counters

Onyx truly shines when backlit!  Its translucency transforms countertops and vanities into glowing masterpieces, creating a spa-like ambiance in bathrooms or an inviting atmosphere at a home bar.  The veining patterns become mesmerizing works of art when illuminated from beneath.

Fireplace Surrounds

Imagine a fireplace framed by a softly illuminated onyx surround. The flickering flames amplify the natural colors and patterns of the stone, transforming the fireplace into a mesmerizing focal point.

Statement Walls and Accent Pieces

A large slab of onyx, whether backlit or naturally lit, makes a dramatic statement wall for any room.  Smaller pieces of onyx become unique accent panels, tabletops, or even room dividers, adding a touch of luxury and timeless elegance.

Functional Applications

Bowls, Vases, and Other Decorative Objects

Onyx's natural beauty and workability make it well-suited for decorative items. Bowls, vases, lamp bases, and other crafted onyx objects lend an air of refinement to any space.

Inlays and Mosaics

The diverse colors and patterns of onyx lend themselves beautifully to detailed inlay work in furniture or flooring.  Additionally, intricate mosaics using onyx tiles can create eye-catching, textured borders, backsplashes, or even bespoke pieces of art.

While incredibly beautiful, keep in mind that onyx is relatively softer than some other natural stones and more susceptible to scratching and etching from acidic substances.  It's best suited for areas that won't experience extremely heavy wear and tear.

Caring for Onyx Marble

To keep your onyx marble looking its best for years to come, understanding proper maintenance is essential. Here's what you need to know:

 How to Care for Onyx Marble

Sealing

Onyx is somewhat porous, making it susceptible to staining if liquids are left to sit on its surface for too long.  Applying a high-quality stone sealer recommended for onyx will significantly minimize this risk.  Seal your onyx according to the manufacturer's instructions for the product you choose, and reapply as needed over time.

Appropriate Cleaning

For regular cleaning of your onyx surfaces, stick to a soft cloth, warm water, and a mild, pH-neutral soap.  Avoid harsh cleaners, abrasive scrubbers, or anything that contains acidic substances like vinegar or lemon juice. Dry the surface thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth after cleaning.

Be Cautious of Scratches and Acids

Since onyx is softer than some stones like granite, take care to avoid scratching the surface. Use cutting boards and trivets on countertops.  Onyx, like marble, is vulnerable to etching when exposed to acids.  Spills of citrus, wine, coffee, or other acidic items should be cleaned immediately.

Specialized Cleaning for Stains

If a stain does occur, specialized stone cleaning products or poultice pastes designed for onyx might be necessary.  It's always advisable to test products on an inconspicuous area first.  For stubborn stains, consulting a stone care professional can ensure the best outcome without damaging your onyx.

Conclusion

Whether you dream of a softly glowing statement wall, a dramatic onyx countertop, or a unique decorative accent, this captivating stone offers endless possibilities.

However, you need an expert to make sure you choose the correct Onyx marble. This is where JSB Stonex comes in. Our experts can help you find the perfect onyx for your design vision and project needs.

Contact us today!