What is onyx stone?

Onyx is type of chalcedony mineral with a fine grained and homogeneous texture.

It’s the most commonly found the shades of black and white, but can also occur in other colors such as gray, pink,  green, blue, brown and orang. The distinctive bands or stripes found in many varieties of onyx are caused by deposition of different minerals over time. Onyx has been used for decorative purpose for centuries, and is often used as gemstone or in ornamental carvings, jewelry, and home decor.

How is onyx stone formed?

Onyx is formed in the same way as other types of chalcedony minerals, through the deposition of silica from ground water.

However, the distinctive banded appearance of onyx is created by deposition of different minerals, such as iron and manganese at different times during the formation process. These alternating layers of different minerals produce the distinctive bands or stripes that are often seen in onyx stones.

That can be, relatively , straight or irregular, and can vary in color and thickness depending on the specific mineral composition of the stone.

Benefits of using onyx blocks:

  1. Aesthetics: Onyx blocks are known for their unique and stunning appearance .

The alternating bands of color and translucency give onyx the distinct and luxuries look that is popular in high end interior design.

  1. Durability: Onyx is a hard and durable stone that is resistance to wear and tear, making it ideal                for use in high traffic areas such as countertops, floorings and walls. 
  2. Versatility: Onyx blocks can be cut polished into a variety of shapes and size, making it versatile enough to be used in wide rand of application, form sculptures and decorative accents in large scale architectural projects.
  3. Light transmission: Onyx is a translucent stone that creating a beautiful and unique illumination effect. 
  4. Natural beauty: its unique patterns and colors can added a sense of depth and richness to any design scheme.

Polishing techniques used for onyx blocks

  1. Wet polishing: this technique involves using water and diamonds polishing pads to remove any scratches or rough spots on the surface of the onyx. Wet polishing also helps to bring out the stone’s natural color and translucency.
  2. Dry polishing: Dry polishing uses dry diamonds pad to achieve a high gloss finish on the surface of the onyx. This technique is ideal for achieving a mirror like finish on the stone.
  3. Chemical polishing: Some onyx blocks can be chemically polished using special compounds that react with the stone to create a glossy finish. This technique is typically used for onyx with a high silica content.
  4. Sanding: sanding can be used to remove any rough spot or scratches on the surface of onyx. This technique is typically use before wet or dry polishing to prepare the surface of the stone.

Overall, polishing onyx blocks require a delicate touch and specialized tools to achieve to desire finish. It is always best to work  with a professional stones polisher to ensure that the onyx  is treated properly and that the final result is as beautiful as possible.

 How Clean and sealing onyx stone?

For cleaning onyx stone, it’s the best to start with a soft, clean cloth moistened with warm water and a mild soap solution. Avoid using harsh chemical or abrasive materials that could damage the stone’s surface for more thorough cleaning or stain removal, consult a professional stone cleaner.

Onyx price

Frist of all, the most important thing to determine onyx price is completely supply and demand and also quarry owner.

If there are several mines, these decrease the price because of competition between quarries, But if there is one best mine it’s totally depends on quarry owner and market and usually quarry owner determine the base price.