Does onyx scratch easily?
As one of the softer types of natural stones, onyx can be scratched more easily. Scratches over the surface may ruin the beauty of the stone. Accordingly, it is highly recommended to seal the onyx properly. This way, you can make your stone more scratch-resistant. Moreover, it would also be beneficial to learn how to repair onyx scratches. You can get rid of many scratches with proper cleaning and polishing.
How can onyx be maintained?
Regular cleaning and maintenance are required to keep your onyx in its best form. You should avoid acidic cleaners while cleaning your onyx tiles or slabs because these types of cleaning products may leave permanent stains over the surface. Instead, you should wipe the onyx surface using a soft cloth and a non-acidic and natural cleaning product. Instead of using the cleaner directly on the surface, you should spray it onto the dry cloth. Moreover, you should use a cutting board when preparing food on your onyx countertops to prevent scratches. Also, onyx requires periodic sealing to preserve its durability and natural beauty. Professional sealing and polishing help keep your onyx stone free from scratches and stains.
Is onyx a good stone for kitchen countertops?
Onyx is vulnerable to acids because of the chemical reaction with its mineral compounds, and it is also a delicate material, making it prone to chip and crack easily. For this reason, onyx is not considered an ideal material for kitchen countertops since it is one of the busiest areas where spills and minor accidents are nearly inevitable. Instead of using onyx for counters, you might consider using onyx for backsplash. This way, you can add the unique beauty of onyx to your kitchen design without sacrificing practicality.
Does onyx stain easily?
As a natural stone, onyx has a porous surface, causing it to absorb liquids quickly. Hence, onyx is prone to be stained easily. You should wipe out the spills immediately to prevent them from causing permanent stains on the surface of your onyx stone. This will also help you reduce the risk of bacterial growth and keep your onyx stone sanitary.
Is onyx heat resistant?
Onyx is a soft material, making it less resistant to heat. Accordingly, do not place hot pans and pots directly on the surface if you are considering using onyx as your countertop material.
Can you use onyx for bathroom countertops?
Onyx is an excellent choice for bathroom countertops. It adds unique beauty to your bathroom and the overall home design. Onyx’s colorful veining and patterns make your bathroom look elegant and stylish.
Which is better, marble or onyx?
Both stones have the same mineral content, namely calcite. What makes onyx distinguishable from marble is its translucency which is the primary source of its peerless beauty. Marble, on the other hand, is a more durable material, making it a better choice for countertops. Although onyx may not be as practical as marble when used for countertops, it is a perfect choice for backsplashes through which you can add unique beauty to your design.
Onyx
With its mesmerizing colors and impressive durability, onyx is a very popular natural stone choice for kitchen countertops, backsplashes and various other surfaces. If you want to add value to your home by incorporating onyx into your interior design, keep reading to learn more about this elegant material.
Being one of the most popular natural stone choices amongst homeowners and contractors, onyx has a certain allure and beauty: It is very hard and durable but most importantly, it is translucent. That is why onyx slabs can be backlit.
If you are after a bold and daring look, onyx surfaces will definitely make you very satisfied. If you want to learn more about this unique and exquisite natural stone, keep reading.
What is Onyx?
Onyx is a banded variety of the silicate mineral chalcedony. It looks very similar to agate. The main difference between onyx and agate is that onyx has parallel bands while agate has curved bands.
This impressive material is formed through intergrowths of quartz and moganite, two unique silica minerals. It can be found in different corners of the earth including Greece, Argentina, Brazil, Yemen, Australia, Uruguay, Canada, Germany, China, India, Czech Republic, Latin America, United States, Madagascar, and the UK.
Due to its translucent constitution and eye-catching colors, onyx has been used in jewellery and interior design throughout the history. Moreover, it was believed that onyx gave soldiers courage in battle and helped epileptic patients with their seizures.
Today onyx is widely used in countertops, tiles and flooring. Due to its versatility and durability, it stands well against the test of time and adds value to your home.
Onyx Colors
Onyx comes in a wide range of colors including white, off-white, cream, brown, gold, purple, green, blue, gray, terra cotta, and tan. While choosing the color of your onyx countertop, you should consider the overall aesthetic you are going for and the specific characteristics of your space.
If you have a smaller or less luminous kitchen, lighter colors like white, beige, off-white or cream can complement your space well and make it appear bigger. If you have traditional kitchen cabinets, neutral and/or earthy colors like brown, terra cotta, tan, and cream can go very well with your cabinets.
If you want a more daring look with a certain pizzazz, you can consider darker colors for an edgier appearance.
Since onyx is a translucent material, you can add backlights for a more dramatic look. You can enhance your onyx sink or backsplash with backlights and complementary accessories to reflect your unique taste in interior design.
Onyx Countertops
Onyx kitchen countertops look absolutely magnificent. With its twists, twirls and lines, onyx has an undeniable elegance that will make your kitchen look impressive.
Yet you should also consider certain drawbacks of this gorgeous material: Compared to granite and quartzite, onyx is relatively softer, more fragile and prone to chipping. Moreover, it reacts to acids and etches. That is why using onyx kitchen countertops requires utmost care since wine, vinegar, lemon juice and similar acidic liquids might harm your stunning countertop.
If you’d like to know more about onyx slabs, onyx kitchen countertops and onyx suppliers near you, feel free to get in touch with us.