onyx countertops

Onyx Countertops

Onyx is not a good choice for most countertops, but it does make for a lovely backsplash. Its beauty and translucence make it attractive, but also impractical. Onyx is sensitive to acids and bases, which will cause the minerals in onyx to combine chemically, eating away at the countertop. Onyx is also quite fragile and breaks and chips easily.
If you would rather consult with a stone restoration professional, feel free to give us a call and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Onyx Countertops: Advantages and Disadvantages

Onyx is seldom seen in bathrooms or kitchens since it is difficult to install and requires regular maintenance to preserve its beautiful looks. As a result, it's most frequently utilized as a bar countertop because of the uniqueness that distinguishes it from others. We would highly recommend either Granite countertops or Quartz countertops as they are way more durable stone countertops.
Onyx countertops are a luxurious addition to any kitchen. They are beautiful and unique, but they also have some disadvantages that should be considered before making a purchase. Onyx is a soft, brittle stone, so it needs to be carefully evaluated for its intended use. Onyx slabs are frequently secured with fiberglass mesh on the back to keep the stone intact. This is a good indication of how delicate the stone is.

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Best Maintenance Products For Stone Surfaces

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    This electric mop comes with 4 reusable microfiber pads. Perfect for stone floors.
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    Glean Quartz and Granite Cleaner

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    Glean Quartz and Granite foam cleaner. Ideal for after care.

What is onyx?

Onyx is a type of mineral, specifically a variety of chalcedony, which is a cryptocrystalline form of quartz. It is a banded, translucent stone with a waxy luster and is usually found in black or dark shades of brown, red, or green. 
Onyx is often used as a decorative stone in jewelry, sculptures, and ornamental objects. It is also used for architectural purposes such as flooring and wall cladding. Onyx is believed to have several metaphysical properties and is used in alternative medicine and crystal healing practices.
David Smith Segarra
"We are a London-based family business with over 35 years experience, and passionate about natural stone. We specialise in marble restoration, providing personalised attention to detail for every customer. Based in Canary Wharf, covering all of Greater London. You can trust us for all your marble needs!"

DAVID SMITH

Marble Restoration Specialist
London, Canary Wharf
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Onyx Countertops

Advantages of Onyx Countertops
Aesthetics: The most significant advantage of an onyx countertop is its distinctive appearance, which sets it apart from other natural stone choices.
Onyx is usually pale or light in hue. Onyx countertops, like other materials, come in a variety of colors, including blue and green to yellow and red. It's also available in neutrals, such as beige and white.
There are also several unusual types and variations, such as specks that resemble quartz, veins on marble, and swirls similar to granite.
Durability: Onyx countertops can last up to 100 years when properly cared for and maintained, which means you may not have to replace it in your lifetime.
Unique: Onyx is a unique material because it's not found in nature in large enough quantities to be used for countertops. As a result, onyx countertops are rare and considered luxurious.
Translucent: Onyx's transparency gives it a sense of delicacy. When lighting is placed behind the stone, this property allows light to shine through, making it possible to create a backlit bar countertop. Furthermore, you won't have to worry about uneven illumination distribution.
The colours in the stone may appear warmer and more vibrant depending on the spectrum of light utilized for backlighting. This quality is unique to Onyx. There are many ways to backlight onyx.
Lightweight: Onyx is very light, making it easy to incorporate into unusual designs. Onyx is typically quarried in tiny slabs, allowing for simple fabrication and handling. It falls on the softer end of the stone hardness scale, making it ideal for vertical and inside usage.


Disadvantages of Onyx Countertops
Fragile: Onyx is somewhat softer and more brittle than other natural stones when comparing it to similar gemstones. This indicates the stone won't endure as well in high-travel areas such as kitchen countertops. Fiberglass mesh backing is often used on Onyx slabs to help strengthen and keep it together.
Easily Scratched: Another disadvantage of an Onyx Countertop is its propensity to scratch or scrape. This makes it prone to damage from everyday use in the kitchen.
Calcium-based: Because onyx is a calcium-based stone, it responds to acidic substances and will most likely etch from these types of spills (wine, lemon juice, vinegar, etc.), or if acid was used.

Maintenance Tips For Natural Stone Surfaces

Marble Cleaning Tips
Reasons to Trust Marble Renovation
Marble Cleaning Tips
Reasons to trust marble renovation

Maintenance Tips for Onyx Countertops

Onyx may be scratched or etched by knives, pans, cleaning equipment, and acids. As a result, onyx should be utilized in low-traffic or low-use environments. Onyx complements bathroom vanity tops that don't get a lot of use, as well as bar tops that aren't used often.
To prevent staining the stone, clean the toothpaste, moisture from glasses, and food spills as soon as feasible. Onyx stones must be resealed regularly.

Onyx: What Is It Good For?

Onyx, like marble, is not the most practical material for frequently used countertops such as kitchen worktops. However, onyx may be utilized in a variety of settings, including Bathroom vanities. Walling. Interesting accent areas that are unique and eye-catching. Kitchen island bases.
Onyx is a fantastic choice for adding striking focal points to a room. Its translucency, which allows it to be backlit, is distinctive. The presence of a sparkling stone feature in your home may genuinely distinguish it from the competition and provide added value and luxury to your property.

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  • "Builders trashed my marble hallway and David brought them back to their original glory. He truly cared about doing a great job; highly recommended."
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Marble Cleaning & Polishing Services in London

We are a family-run business based in Canary Wharf, London, offering professional marble restoration services in the greater London area. With years of experience, our skilled team is dedicated to restoring the beauty and elegance of your marble surfaces to their original glory. Whether your marble surfaces are dull, stained, scratched, or damaged, we can provide a tailored restoration solution to meet your specific needs. Our services include cleaning, polishing, honing, repairing cracks and chips, and sealing to protect against future damage. 
ABOUT US
Restoring a Concrete Countertop
If you would rather consult with a stone restoration professional, feel free to give us a call and we will be more than happy to assist you.
Kelson House, Stewart Street
London, Canary Wharf
E14 3JL
David: +44 (0) 7725 752 660
Andrew: +44 (0) 7894 834 255
Mon-Fri: 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Sat: 11:00AM - 6:00PM

Final Thoughts on Onyx Countertops

Onyx is a popular countertop material, and while we don't recommend it for busy kitchen worktops, its many other design possibilities make it well worth looking at.

Granite, marble, or quartzite are all excellent choices if you're searching for a natural stone surface that can handle high-traffic areas. Onyx is better utilized in lower-traffic areas or as an accent.
When used in the kitchen, Onyx should not be your primary worktop surface but rather reserved for things like a breakfast bar, island, or backsplash. Thanks for reading! We hope this guide was helpful. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.

Don't forget you can call us anytime if you have any questions or concerns about how best to look after your natural stone countertops or floors.

Further Reading: Marble Cleaning and Polishing Tips and Tricks

Discover the latest tips and tricks for marble cleaning and polishing, as well as other stone surfaces, by checking out the posts below. Our expert advice will help you maintain the beauty and durability of your stone surfaces for years to come. Whether you need to remove stains, prevent damage, or protect your surfaces from wear and tear, we have got you covered. Browse our posts now and discover practical solutions for all your marble cleaning and polishing needs, and more.

Marble Renovation

Marble Renovation is a family-owned business situated in Canary Wharf, London, with more than 35 years of expertise in stone restoration.
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