These two stones are confused for one another, and some people even think they are the same stone. It’s important to know that these two stones are not the same. The features and looks of marble &onyx stones differ considerably. We will explain the differences between these two stones so that you do not mix them up.
1/ Differences Between Onyx & Marble in Cycle
Onyx is a type of stone that forms through the deposition of calcium carbonate-rich minerals. Onyx belongs to the group of metamorphic rocks, which are sedimentary rocks like limestone that have undergone “metamorphosis” because of heat and deep burial. However, marble is a member of the sedimentary rock group, which also includes limestone; the main difference between these two types of rocks is how they are generally formed.
In other words, onyx is a better form of marble that undergoes natural processing.
2/ ِDifferences Between Onyx & Marble in Beauty & Polishability
The colors of onyx vary between white, gray, black, green, purple, yellow, and red. However, pure white onyx has a transparent color. Also, calcite, the most stable type of calcium carbonate, is the main component of onyx. Unlike marble, onyx has a backlit featurebecause of the massive, distinct crystals in this mineral.
So you can see the light passing through when you put your phone’s flashlight behind the onyx stone. This feature of onyx stone is also utilized by architects and designers, who put LED panels behind this exquisite stone to add a spectacular touch of natural beauty to the place.
Because of this, the cost of this stone is higher than marble, and it is also more beautiful and transparent with a polished surface.
Marble stones also feature a wide range of beautiful colors and patterns that may not be found in onyx. For example, Golden black marble and Spider marble feature distinctive patterns that cannot be found in onyx stones.
3/ Differences Between Onyx & Marble in Patterns
Another difference between onyx and marble lies in their stone patterns. Marble stones, as well as other stones such as granite, crystal marble, and travertine, generally feature repetitive patterns. Onyx, however, is different and can be considered one of the most diverse and variable natural stones in terms of pattern and color variation. For this reason, finding uniform or so-called “clean” onyx is challenging, and such stones are often offered on the market at several times the price.
4/ Differences Between Onyx & Marble in Usage
Usage of Onyx Stone
The primary application of onyx is in the production of stone artifacts such as stone sculptures, stone flower pots, and coffee tables. Secondly, it is used in building architecture as wall stone, flooring stone, and onyx tombstones, which are generally made from slab cuts of the stone. Due to the high price of this stone, its use is more common as wall stone in luxurious and stylish buildings such as hotels, restaurants, halls, and the lobbies of upscale complexes.
The wall and floor coverings of most religious buildings are made of onyx stone.
Usage of Marble Stone
The applications of marble are similar to those of onyx; however, marble is primarily used in buildings, including for interior designs and exterior facades, wall cladding stones, and floor stones, and secondarily in stone artifacts such as fountains, stone wall carvings, dining tables, and Turkish bath sinks.
Polishing: Depending on the usage, marble is used in two forms: polished and unpolished. While Onyx stone is always used with a polished surface.
Cuts and Dimensions:Onyx is frequently cut into slabs. However, marble is cut into slabs and tiles in large and small sizes.
Another difference between onyx and marble is their price. Onyx is considerably more expensive than marble. In fact, its price can be approximately 10 times higher than that of marble, although this comparison naturally depends on the type of onyx and marble.
Click on the following links to see more information and products for each of these two widely used stones.
