Onyx marble is most often used as a fireplace surrounds, bar tops, walls or small islands because it transmits light.

Other uses include wall cladding, light duty residential floors, sinks, and tables. Onyx can also be used for novelty items such as vases, urns, lamps, wine goblets, sinks and bowls. It works wonderful where you can accent the stone and use under lighting or backlighting to draw attention to its translucent qualities. Onyx marble can be purchased in tile form or in large slabs for a versatile look and feel. Careful consideration is needed when using onyx marble in your home. Think of your lifestyle and circumstances before committing to onyx as a countertop surface or a bar top. This natural stone has beautiful, translucence, and contrasting colors. The colors of onyx are soft and sensuous, bold and beautiful... almost fragile looking. The pastel shades of golden honey, minty greens, and swirly browns feel erotic. There are also deeper darker shades of reds and greens. The bands or lines of contrasting color running throughout the stone contribute to its unique color characteristics. Onyx is a visual feast for the eyes. Similar to marble, onyx can be finished with a polished surface. This is a glossy and reflective surface finish which deepens the color and contrasts within the stone. It can also be finished to a honed surface finish which is a matte like low sheen finish. It's not reflective and shiny like a polished finish. Consult your fabricator or installer if you have another surface finish in mind. The unique and distinctive beauty of onyx marble is not for everyone because of the possible maintenance. It will etch if you're not careful, may need to be sealed, and is a softer and more fragile natural stone. If you know the maintenance and limitations of this stone and love the look, it may be a great choice for you. The looks achieved by using onyx are one of a kind. If you are comfortable with the care onyx needs and love the unique and exotic look, choose onyx.