In decorating terms Onyx is a semi precious material, a form of marble that can take a high polish, featuring unique swirls of pattern and color which dance across its smooth face. One property that gives onyx a truly unique personality is that it has a translucent property, allowing light to actually pass through the stone and come out on the other side.
Onyx Stone is primarily quarried in two places, the Himalayan Mountains, and certain regions of Mexico. The Mexican material tends to be a deep amber color, often featuring unique striation patterns that run perpendicularly down the face of the stone. The materials that come from Asia do tend to have less erratic patterns, with a softer, more uniform surface leading to a more subdued, and much more calm surface of the stone.
One of the interesting things about onyx is its personality. The material is formed by nature, slowly evolving from a chaotic mix of chemical factors and enormous pressure. The end result is that each and every piece is a one of a kind, with different features flowing across the face of each and every stone.
In general onyx tends to run a range of colors, going from a deep amber glow, to a soft, white, milky appearance. In many pieces you will find a variety of other hues popping up in the face of the piece, including hazy reds, soft orange, and even the occasional stripe of green. The nature of the colors is determined by the chemical mix that was present when the stone formed.
One important thing to note is that decorative onyx is a form of marble, and so should never be cleaned using any sort of acidic agent. Marble, as a material, is a chemical base when related to an acid base relationship. When it comes into contact with acidic substances, a reaction occurs, which can take the form of an unpleasant discoloration in the face of the material.
One of the great things about onyx is that it can be easily carved and polished to have an extremely high hone, that leaves its surface shimmering with a smooth perfection. Whether you are looking at functional pieces such as clocks and drink coasters, or more attractive itemds such as statues, plates, and jewelry boxes, chances are that you can find a version crafted using this elegant material. It can be a marvelous way to add natural sophistication to the spaces in your home, however this elegance comes with a price, and the nature of the material does mean that there are a few extra precautions you have to take if you want to keep it looking its best.