Materials

Onyx

Onyx Translucent Accent Stone

Onyx is a banded variety of calcite with exceptional translucency – when backlit, it unfolds a dramatic colour and depth effect that no other natural stone can match. Its characteristic veining in honey, green or white tones makes every slab a unique eye-catcher. At CAMT you can source onyx from select quarries in Iran, Pakistan, Mexico and Turkey – cut to size or fully finished for your project.

Properties of Onyx

Onyx is primarily a design material for special accents: backlit walls, bar counters or design objects, where its unique veining and translucency come fully into their own. At around 3 Mohs, it is significantly softer than marble or granite and correspondingly sensitive to impacts and scratches.

Due to its porosity and fragility, we process large-format onyx slabs with a stabilising mesh backing. For heavily used surfaces such as floors, we therefore recommend other natural stones – onyx unfolds its full potential above all as a decorative highlight. We're happy to advise you at the CAMT showroom in Riesa on processing and application options.

Origin	Iran, Pakistan, Mexico, Turkey
Hardness	3 Mohs, soft
Colour spectrum	Honey-yellow, green, white with veining
Surfaces	Polished, backlightable
Formats	Thin slabs, custom cuts
Maintenance	High – sensitive, requires regular sealing

Applications for Onyx

Backlit Walls

With LED backlighting, onyx unfolds its spectacular translucency and becomes the highlight of the room.

Wall Cladding

As decorative wall cladding, onyx creates strong accents through its veining even without lighting.

Bar & Reception Counters

Backlit onyx counters are a design statement in hospitality and hotel settings.

Design Washbasins

As a washbasin highlight in well-ventilated bathrooms, onyx delivers an exclusive look.

Ceiling Panels

Backlit ceiling elements made of onyx create a unique lighting atmosphere in the room.

Lamps & Objects

Illuminated objects made of onyx combine natural stone and light into sculptural design one-offs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Unique translucency – no other natural stone looks comparable when backlit.
Dramatic, highly individual veining – every slab is one of a kind.
Exceptional colour depth in honey, green or white tones.
With mesh reinforcement, also achievable as a large-format wall element.

Cons

Soft and sensitive – not suitable for heavily used floors.
Acid-sensitive and porous – regular sealing is necessary.
Higher purchase price due to demanding extraction and processing.
Large formats require a stabilising mesh reinforcement.

Processing – For Maximum Light Effect.

The right processing determines the light effect of your onyx – we'll advise you on the right finish for your project:

Polished – High-gloss, emphasises the stone's colour depth and veining.
Backlit – Thin-cut with an LED panel for maximum translucency.
Bookmatch – Mirror-laid slabs create a symmetrical pattern.
Mesh-reinforced – Stabilising backing reinforcement for large-format elements.

Care – How Onyx Stays Beautiful.

Onyx is soft and porous and is sensitive to acids and mechanical stress. With the right care, however, its luminosity will remain for the long term:

Clean only with a soft cloth and pH-neutral cleaners.
Regular sealing is especially important for onyx.
Avoid impacts and sharp objects at all costs – onyx is sensitive.
For heavily used floors, we recommend alternative, harder natural stones.

Onyx Impressions

Frequently Asked Questions about Onyx

Onyx is one of the higher-priced natural stones. The exact price depends on origin, pattern and format – contact us for an individual quote.

Due to its softness, onyx is only conditionally suitable for heavily used floors. It unfolds its full potential above all on walls, counters and backlit objects.

Thinly cut, mesh-reinforced onyx slabs are mounted in front of an LED panel. The light passes through the stone and makes its veining stand out dramatically.

Use only mild, pH-neutral cleaners, seal regularly, and avoid impacts and acids.

We work with renowned quarries in Iran, Pakistan, Mexico and Turkey.

Yes. On our CNC-controlled machinery in Riesa, we cut onyx to the millimetre according to your measurements, including mesh reinforcement for thin cuts. More on our Cutting page.