ONYX

Onyx has a translucent quality that makes it a favorite of architects and designers looking for a standout material for feature spaces. Each slab can vary dramatically in color and veining, making them true individual works of art, an attribute that makes the best Onyx slabs both rare and may be costly.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ONYX

Onyx can be found in many beautiful colors and patterns. If you want a surface that will truly catch the attention of all your guests when they enter the room, you should undoubtedly consider onyx.

Onyx is often confused with marbles, yet it is a significantly different rock type. Onyx is a sedimentary rock, formed as stalactites and stalagmites in cave interiors. This formation method results in the cryptocrystalline construction of the rock fabric, and it is the size and uniformity of these crystals that contribute to the classic translucent property of most onyx varieties. While vulnerable to chemical and abrasive attack, the decorative appeal of onyx is perhaps unsurpassed by any other material. Regular cleaning and re-sealing are required if you want your onyx to keep its high quality appearance for years to come. As long as you do this, the stone will look amazing.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Onyx countertops should be sealed when they are initially installed. Sealing helps to fill in the pores in the stone that absorb liquids. This helps to decrease the chances of your onyx countertop becoming stained. Most onyx needs to be re-sealed every 1-3 years. How often you seal your onyx depends on how much the surface gets used, what types of cleaner you use it on, and the color. A lighter colored onyx, like the popular white onyx, will need sealed more often since it stains more easily.

The most popular colors are white, honey, fire, and green onyx. Generally you can find white, gray, beige, red/orange, and green shades of onyx – both separately and in combinations. For example, “fire” is a mix of red and orange with some gray and white mixed in.

Onyx is actually a type of marble and it has many of the same properties. The difference is the stunning patterns and veining in each slab. Onyx comes in varying degrees of patterns and a rainbow of stunning colors. Onyx is also more translucent than marble, making it a great stone for lighting or for creative purposes like a backlit wall or surface that casts a glow and enhances the stone’s patterns.

A lot of people think all stones are “rock hard” and completely solid, but that’s simply not the case. Onyx is the perfect example of a stone that requires extra care. Onyx countertops typically include a fiberglass backing compound to strengthen the slab and keep it together.

It’s also quite soft and prone to scratching and chipping with regular wear and tear, which makes it a poor choice for a kitchen countertop or flooring material in a high-traffic area. It’s also very susceptible to acid etching and erosion as well as water damage. Finally, special cleaners and sealants must be regularly used to maintain it, as regular household cleaners can damage the surface.

That said, with proper care and maintenance, nothing is as impressive as onyx!

Onyx’s unique characteristics and rarity make it an excellent choice for homeowners who not only want to incorporate natural stone into their homes, but also create a signature, custom accent that most other people simply won’t have due to the stone’s cost and exclusivity.

Onyx is a great choice for an accent piece that won’t be regularly handled or endure heavy wear. Many homeowners have used onyx to create a countertop for banquet tables, small islands, side tables or backsplash panels, all of which can be backlit to enhance and accentuate the stone’s translucency.

When it comes to cleaning, it’s always best to wipe onyx surfaces with a delicate fabric to avoid any scratches or swirling on the finish. When using any kind of cleaning product, try to avoid spraying or pouring directly onto the surface, as the porous stone can absorb them. Spray cleaners onto a soft cloth first, and be sure to wipe away any excess from the stone as soon as possible.

Like many other beautiful stones, onyx reacts with both excessively alkaline and acidic substances. Because onyx is so sensitive, it’s advisable to avoid any homemade cleaners, glass/window cleaners, or ordinary kitchen surface cleaners, as these are often too aggressive and can cause damage to the stone. Gritty or abrasive cleaners can also cause hazing and scratches. Instead, it’s best to use cleaning solutions that are “neutral,” or with an average pH of around seven, and always apply with delicate, soft cloths. There are many pH-balanced stone cleaners explicitly designed for this purpose.

NEED TO KNOW MORE?

Get in touch with one of our stone experts to have all your questions about this material answered.

MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS

ABRASION RESISTANCE

Low

Onyx has a very low abrasion resistance rating; it will scratch, chip and crack. All onyx has naturally occurring cracks and fissures. It is best placed where it won’t be used on a day to day basis. It is porous and needs to be sealed. Onyx is very soft scoring a 1 on Moh’s Scale of Relative Hardness.

ABSORPTION/STAINING

Moderate

Onyx has a moderate absorption rating and will stain when exposed to oil and highly pigmented liquids. Onyx will absorb liquids easily which tend to stain the stone. Once a stain is absorbed into onyx, it is extremely hard to remove. It is important to seal the surface once the onyx is installed.

ACID SENSITIVITY

High

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. Use only natural cleaning products with a neutral pH and a soft cloth to clean onyx.

HEAT RESISTANCE

Moderate

Due to its’ fragile nature it is recommended that hot items not be left on onyx such as hot pans or styling tools in the bathroom. It is somewhat heat tolerant, but not enough to make it a no-fuss choice near a stove or grill. Think of onyx as strictly decorative, and keep it in low traffic or light use areas.

What Our Customers Say

Delta Granite and Marble recently installed some beautiful new counter tops for us, and I was really pleased with their service. It didn’t matter if it was the salesman or the installer, everyone that I dealt with was super polite and professional. What I really appreciated about the customer service was how intently the employees listened to me. It’s amazing how more people don’t understand how important it is to just listen to your customers, because it can go a long way. But Delta Granite and Marble understand quality customer service, and they do a great job. We’re about to move to a new home and I’ll be sure to call them again for some more counter tops.
David M., San Antonio, TX

Our experience with Delta Granite has been a terrific one. Not knowing much about the process, I felt that Conrad was very thorough in explaining everything. The installation was great also. They did a great job. Thanks for a very calm and not stressful time.

Mark K., San Antonio , TX

I have been a customer of Delta Granite and Marble for about two years now. Their price might seem a little on the high side, but they are worth it. You will definitely notice their quality, and their services make up the differences if you went with a cheaper competitor. I feel they are one of the best companies to work with in San Antonio.

Brandon W., San Antonio, TX

ONYX GALLERY

Here are a few of our favorite onyx installations, click the images to learn more about each project. For our full gallery of projects click the button.