Turkey, Iran & Pakistan
Onyx is a microcrystalline variety of quartz (in gemstone form) but the building stone called onyx is actually banded calcite — a calcium carbonate mineral formed in caves and limestone caverns by mineral-rich drip water. The bands of color (cream, honey, green, amber, red) form as water deposits calcite layer by layer...
Interior use only. Onyx will deteriorate rapidly outdoors. Do not use for flooring with heavy foot traffic — limited to light residential or display contexts. Best performance in climate-controlled interior environments.
Seal with penetrating sealer every 6–12 months. Clean with pH-neutral stone cleaner — never acids. Onyx is very soft (Mohs 3) and scratches from daily-use objects. For backlit panels, keep the LED framework accessible for lamp replacement. Do not place onyx where it will receive heavy physical contact — it's primarily a visual/decorative material.
Backlit onyx panels require a custom steel or aluminum subframe with LED lighting mounted behind. The stone is cut thin (3/4" to 1") for maximum translucency. LED color temperature matters: warm white (2700–3000K) brings out honey and gold tones; cool white (4000K) enhances green and blue varieties. Panels are typically 24"×48" or custom sizes. A structural engineer must approve the subframe attachment for large installations.
Onyx can be used for bathroom vanity tops with careful maintenance. Keep it away from toothpaste (mildly abrasive), perfume (alcohol-based etches calcite), and hairspray. Seal every 6 months. The softness (Mohs 3) means it will show wear in high-use bathrooms within a few years. Best in low-traffic guest baths or as a statement piece where aesthetics outweigh durability.
Onyx is a microcrystalline variety of quartz (in gemstone form) but the building stone called onyx is actually banded calcite — a calcium carbonate mineral formed in caves and limestone caverns by mineral-rich drip water. The bands of color (cream, honey, green, amber, red) form as water deposits calcite layer by layer over thousands of years. The defining property of onyx is its translucency — thin panels glow from within when backlit, revealing the layered banding. Major sources: Turkey (honey and cream), Iran (green and pistachio), Pakistan (white and beige). Onyx is rare because the formations require very specific cave conditions.