Onyx Countertops
Onyx is a natural stone that is highly valued for its unique and luxurious appearance. One significant advantage of onyx countertops is their exceptional visual appeal, which sets them apart from other natural stones. They are available in a wide range of pastel or light colors, including blue, green, yellow, red, beige, and cream, with patterns and variations that are astonishing, featuring specks similar to quartz, veins like marble, and swirls like granite.
The property of translucence is another outstanding feature of onyx, which permits light to shine through when placed behind the stone, creating a stunning backlit countertop. The colors present in the stone can appear warmer and more vibrant than other materials, depending on the spectrum of the light source used for backlighting.
Unlike other natural stones, onyx is significantly lighter, making it ideal for creative applications. It is quarried in small slabs, easy to fabricate and handle, and ranks on the softer end of the stone density scale, perfect for vertical and interior applications.
Due to its rarity, onyx is among the most expensive natural stone countertops, which makes the cost of labor and installation generally higher.
However, onyx is soft and delicate, requiring special care. It is not as hard as other natural stones and is prone to scratching and cracking. Adding a layer of fiberglass to the bottom of the onyx compound can provide more strength, protecting the surface. When used as countertops, it must be properly sealed, and a special stone cleaner is required regularly.
Onyx is an exotic natural stone that can make a breathtaking impression as a countertop and easily become the centerpiece of your space, especially if you consider incorporating backlighting.
