About Onyx

Onyx is a translucent calcareous stone formed by the slow precipitation of calcium carbonate from mineral-rich water in caves and hot springs. It is the only common building stone that transmits light, which is why it is prized for backlit feature walls, bar tops, and luxury vanities. When illuminated from behind, onyx reveals dramatic layered banding patterns in honey, green, red, white, and amber tones.

Onyx is one of the most delicate natural stones used in architecture. It shares marble's acid sensitivity (being calcium carbonate) but is softer, more porous, and more prone to thermal shock. Hot pots, temperature changes, and even direct sunlight through windows can cause cracking in thin slabs. It is strictly an interior, decorative stone - never suitable for high-traffic floors, outdoor use, or functional kitchen work surfaces.

Despite its fragility, onyx rewards careful ownership with unmatched visual drama. A properly sealed and maintained onyx surface can last decades. The key is understanding its limitations: it is a statement piece, not a workhorse surface.