Some Facts about Onyx

Did you know that the word onyx has Ancient Greek roots? It comes from the word onux, which means fingernail—and that’s because one of onyx’s natural colors is a soft pink, much like a human fingernail. Beyond that, onyx can be quite fragile in the same way a fingernail can be. So it makes sense for them to be named after such a thing.

Beyond soft pink, you’ll also see onyx countertops in honey tones and olive tones. Most of these slabs come in warm hues that make a room cozy. The larger your onyx slab, the more visual interest you’ll enjoy.

Onyx is a translucent natural stone, and its bands of color are what makes it unique. When you place it in the path of natural light, it shines in a way almost no other natural stone countertop can.

Why Isn’t Onyx More Popular?

As with any material, there are a few downsides to onyx countertops—and these downsides are probably the reason why onyx isn’t more widely used.

One thing to know about this stone is that it can be quite brittle. In order to make it strong and maintain that strength, you must use a stabilizing material. Talk to one of our team members to learn more about what kinds of material you can use to stabilize your onyx.

Much like marble, onyx can also be pretty reactive to acids, so steer clear of any cleaners that use citrus, vinegar, or bleach.

And like most other natural stones, it requires sealant because it is a porous material.

The downsides to onyx aren’t too notable, but they are important to be aware of. At Stone Concepts, Inc., we value honesty and transparency, and we believe you should know the ins and outs of a countertop material before you invest in it.

Choosing Onyx

There are many places in the home where onyx can shine, including the kitchen, bathroom, and wet bars. To make sure your onyx stays beautiful, clean up spills right away—if you clean them up quickly, this will lessen the chance of stains.

If you’re ready to enjoy a one-of-a-kind countertop that will get heads turning, talk to Stone Concepts, Inc. about our onyx slabs.

What’s Great about Onyx

We went over the downsides of the onyx stone; now it’s time to talk about what’s great about it. And trust us when we say there is plenty to love about this stone!

It’s long-lasting. If you know how to take care of your onyx countertop, it can last up to a hundred years in your home. That’s what we call a great investment.

Cleaning is simple. As we said, it’s important to avoid acidic cleaners around onyx. All you need to shine its surface is soap and water.

It’s gorgeous. We’d be remiss not to mention onyx’s innate beauty. This countertop, with its stunning translucence, comes in blues, reds, yellows, and muted colors like creams and beiges as well. If you put a backlight behind it, you’ll be able to enjoy an even better view of its radiant patterns.

It increases your home’s value. As with other natural stone countertops, installing onyx in your home can increase its resale value.

Is Onyx the Right Choice for You?

Now that you’ve gotten to know onyx on a deeper level, we hope it’s easier to decide whether this stone could be an asset for your home. To learn more about this stone, or to get started on your project, give Stone Concepts, Inc. a call today at (978) 568-1911.