A Natural Stone That Is as Luxurious as They Come: Onyx
Richly patterned and translucent, the exotic onyx as a decorative accent infuses exquisite luxe into a home's decor
Onyx is a beautiful fine-grained stone with distinctive patterns and comes in various shades of yellow, brown, green, black, white, red and more. This stone is unique because of its rich layers and veining that have been naturally formed due to the growth and deposit of silica materials such as quartz and moganite over millennia.
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.
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.
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.
Note: Onyx can be can also be installed in a conventional way without backlighting.
Note: Onyx can be can also be installed in a conventional way without backlighting.
Here, in this example, the backlit onyx creates a stunning backdrop, looks glamorous and takes the design to a whole new level. The inherent patterns of onyx add a graceful depth to this space.
Backlight installation: A light source in the form of LED strip lights is installed behind the stone to illuminate onyx. Backlighting not only beautifies the look of onyx with its natural veins but also illuminates the space with dim ambient lighting.
Backlight installation: A light source in the form of LED strip lights is installed behind the stone to illuminate onyx. Backlighting not only beautifies the look of onyx with its natural veins but also illuminates the space with dim ambient lighting.
3. Onyx 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.
Do note that onyx is not suitable for kitchen countertops because it is prone to staining by cooking ingredients such as lemon juice or vinegar. Also, since it is a soft stone, cutting and chopping on it can scratch the countertop.
Do note that onyx is not suitable for kitchen countertops because it is prone to staining by cooking ingredients such as lemon juice or vinegar. Also, since it is a soft stone, cutting and chopping on it can scratch the countertop.
4. Onyx works best when used as a highlighter or an eye-catching accent feature in areas such as entrance lobbies, living rooms, bathrooms and so on. Onyx elegantly combines with materials such as dark wood, steel and glass.
5. Onyx is available in various varieties of colours and patterns, such as honey onyx, green onyx, white crystal onyx and white tiger onyx. Different varieties of onyx can impart different effects and looks. The cost of different types of onyx ranges between ₹1000 and ₹2700 per square foot (in early 2019).
Maintenance tips:
Onyx requires a lot of care and maintenance to retain its natural beauty.
Onyx requires a lot of care and maintenance to retain its natural beauty.
- Use only mild soaps to clean it. Do not use acid-based cleaners, as they might corrode and etch the surface.
- Always use a soft brush to scrub the surface. Remove the soap with a clean dry cloth, followed by another dry wipe.
- Additionally, it is recommended to re-seal the stone surface every year.
Tip: Onyx is a fragile stone that can easily break if not handled carefully. Hence, it is advisable to get the stone professionally installed. Get in touch with a contractor who can cut the onyx to size as well as efficiently install it on site, with backlighting if desired.
Read more:
Gurgaon Houzz: A Palatial Home Is Encrusted With Semi-Precious Stones
How to Use Marble in 9 Unconventional Ways
Tell us:
What are your thoughts about onyx as a material? Tell us in Comments below..
Read more:
Gurgaon Houzz: A Palatial Home Is Encrusted With Semi-Precious Stones
How to Use Marble in 9 Unconventional Ways
Tell us:
What are your thoughts about onyx as a material? Tell us in Comments below..
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Onyx is a soft and fragile material prone to cracking, so it should be used selectively and only in low-traffic areas or in spaces that are not subjected to rough use.The larger slabs of onyx are toughened with a mesh, resin or fibreglass backing, which gives them adequate strength.