Onyx Stone is formed by the deposition of silica in gas cavities in lava, which results in the distinctive bands or stripes we see in the stone. They come in varied shades of red, orange, and brown, which often alternate with striking bands of white.
The banding in onyx is straight, and is either brown or black and white, while curved bands occur in the variety of quartz known as agate.Since ancient Egyptian times, onyx Stone has been stained to improve or change its color. Natural black onyx is rare, so the commercial black variety is usually agate that has been stained by the sugar-sulfuric acid treatment, soaked in sugar and then heated in sulfuric acid to carbonize the sugar. It may be banded or solid black.
Onyx can be found in Uruguay and bordering regions of Brazil, Afghanistan, India, Madagascar, Peru and the US. Baja California, and northwest Mexico were a major source for onyx until cheap imitations appeared on the market.
What does onyx Stone look like?
Onyx is a variety of stone that comes from Chalcedony. Chalcedony is a silicate mineral, mostly made of calcite (similar to marble and granite) and it usually features contrasting layers of colour.
Most people associate onyx gemstones with a jet black colour with some contrasting white layered bands. However, onyx is also found in brown, red and white variations. Brown and white onyx is usually referred to as sardonyx, while the red and white variation is recognised as cornelian onyx.
All forms of onyx Stone gemstone feature multiple layers, with the lighter layer of stone sitting on top of the darker layer. This property has, historically, made onyx a popular stone to use for engraving techniques as well as producing cameos, where a raised relief is produced to form a design that is lighter than the layer it sits on.
Onyx Stone, A Natural Stone That Is as Luxurious as They Come
If you are looking for a luxurious material that can give a high-end look to your home decor, here are reasons why you should choose onyx.
Design Inc
1. Onyx Stone is a rare and exotic stone that is not available easily. This makes it expensive compared to other natural stones such as marble or granite. Being a natural material, every slab of onyx looks different and lends a unique character to the space.
2. Onyx stands out because it is a translucent stone that transmits light when lighted from behind. In this example, the treads of the steps are clad in backlit onyx.
3. Onyx Stone can be used in numerous ways on various vertical and horizontal surfaces in the form of countertops, floors, backsplashes. It can also be used to create sinks, lamps and sculptures. Onyx is available in the form of tiles, mosaics and slabs; there is such richness in this material that even the smallest item adds value to the space.
Benefits of Onyx
- One of the special properties that a stone must have to be used in the exterior of a building is its resistance to climate change. With this feature, onyx will not be damaged by cold, heat, and rain.
- onyx is a cool stone that this property is due to lack of heat absorption and if used as flooring, it will cool the space.
- onyx has a high polishing ability and is easily polished.
- onyx is anti-allergic and no unnatural materials have been used in its formation. It also does not contain any dust.
- onyx is very easy to maintain and can only be cleaned with a copper wet towel.
- Brilliance is a prominent feature of onyx stone. The penetration of light in the rock and its reflection by the underlying layers causes this type of rock to shine.
