Getting Familiar with Onyx Kitchen Countertops
Onyx is a rare and beautiful stone that is often seen used as a jewel.
In Ancient Rome, you could often find this stone engraved to use as a seal, and in India it’s thought to have protective properties. These days, onyx isn’t just used for jewels.
Since mining practices have become more sophisticated and we can source bigger slabs, it’s possible to incorporate onyx into the home by way of onyx countertops.
In this article, we’ll get into the advantages and disadvantages of onyx and all that you need to know before installing it in your home.
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Even though onyx countertops are more popular now than they’ve been in the past, they’re still not exactly commonplace. In this article, we’ll help you get familiar with this natural stone and give you the information you need to decide whether you want this material in your home.
Onyx: A History
The word onyx comes from the Ancient Greek word onux, which means “fingernail,” because one of its most popular hues is a fleshy pink that mimics the shade of a fingernail. It’s also known for being quite delicate, much like a human fingernail.
You’ll often find onyx countertop slabs that come in honey and olive tones, warm shades that can bring a sense of calmness and serenity to any room. The larger the slab, the more visual interest onyx will bring.
Onyx is one of the most attractive natural stones on the market. It has rich banding that sets it apart from any and all other exotic stones, and because it’s translucent, it comes to life when placed in the light. There’s no other material that quite reaches the opulence level of onyx, which is why we love it so much.
A Few Downsides
You might be wondering if onyx is such an amazing stone, why don’t more people use it in their homes? As with any material, there are downsides to onyx:
- It’s relatively brittle, meaning it requires stabilizing material to boost its strength.
- It’s reactive to acids.
- It must be sealed, as granite and marble do.
As you can see, the downsides aren’t too drastic, but if you’re looking for a stone that requires zero maintenance, onyx probably isn’t the material for you.
Is Onyx Right for You?
While it might not be as durable as granite or quartzite, the pure uniqueness and gorgeous aesthetics of onyx make it a great choice for those who are willing to take care of it.
It looks great in kitchens, bathrooms, and bars—just make sure to clean up spills right away to prevent stains from occurring. And when you clean the entire slab, use a nonabrasive cleaner that doesn’t contain citrus, bleach, or harsh chemicals—this way you can protect the layer of sealant on your onyx.
Onyx countertops are prepared to give back everything that you put in. They’re a worthwhile investment for any home, and we have the best slabs available at Bellezza Artisan Stone Surfaces.
Benefits of Onyx
There are many aspects of onyx that people love:
It’s beautiful.
- We’ve gone over how beautiful onyx is, but its looks are so stunning that it’s worth mentioning again. It comes in many different colors like blue, red, and yellow, and if primary colors aren’t your style, it comes in neutrals like cream and beige as well. Each slab also is adorned with its own unique, gorgeous patterns.
It lasts for a long time.
- Onyx has an incredibly long lifespan. If it’s taken care of the right way, it can last up to a hundred years.
It’s easy to clean.
- All you need to clean your onyx is warm water and mild dish soap. This makes every day cleaning a breeze.
You can use a backlight.
- Since onyx is translucent, using a backlight with it will illuminate the stone all the way through—you can’t get this effect with any other type of natural stone.
It adds value.
- Like other exotic stones, onyx countertops add value to your home. If you’re planning to put your home on the market, it’s likely that having onyx countertops will place you high in the minds of buyers.
Choosing Onyx
Onyx countertops are a great choice—but it’s important to understand them on a fundamental level before deciding to invest in them. If you have more questions about onyx, or any other type of countertop material, make sure to reach out to us at Bellezza Artisan Stone Surfaces today.