Onyx
Much of the decorative stone sold as "onyx" is onyx marble: banded calcite formed at springs and in caves, not true onyx, which is a banded silica mineral used in jewelry. Onyx marble is the same mineral as limestone and marble. It can glow when backlit, and its common honey color comes from iron oxide. SoCal Tiles sells Honey Onyx.
- Also called
- Onyx Marble
- Color
- Most often warm honey; also white, green and brown
- Geological type (trade onyx)
- Onyx marble: banded calcite, the same mineral as limestone, marble and travertineSource: Use Natural Stone, The Mystique of Onyx
- True onyx
- Banded chalcedony, a silica mineral; used mainly in jewelry and carvingsSource: Onyx, Wikipedia
- Honey color
- Caused by iron oxideSource: Use Natural Stone, The Mystique of Onyx
- Acid sensitivity
- Calcareous: acids such as lemon or vinegar can dull or etch the surfaceSource: Natural Stone Institute, Care & Cleaning of Natural Stone
- Finishes at SoCal Tiles
- Polished
SoCal Tiles carries
SoCal Tiles sells Honey Onyx, Polished, as field tile, mosaics and trim. Field tile examples, each with a sample option:
Appearance and variation
Onyx marble shows bands of color. The most common color is a warm honey; white, green and brown also occur.
About Onyx
Two different "onyx" stones. True onyx is a mineral: bands of chalcedony, a silica mineral, used mainly in jewelry and carvings. What the design trade usually calls "onyx" is onyx marble: banded calcite, the same mineral that makes up limestone, marble and travertine. Wikipedia notes that "the majority of carved items sold as 'onyx' today are this carbonate material."
How onyx marble forms. Mineral-rich spring water or groundwater reaches the surface or moves through caves and fractured rock. As it does, minerals precipitate out and build up crusts of calcite crystals. Slabs cut through those layers show the banding.
Why onyx can glow. When backlit, onyx can give off a soft glow. How much light a particular tile lets through varies, so ask before planning a backlit installation.
Onyx vs travertine. Both are calcite, but they look different. Travertine is naturally porous, which is why it is sold filled or unfilled (see the Travertine family page). Onyx marble is banded, with a smoother face.
Good to know
Onyx is often chosen for feature walls, bar fronts and accent surfaces. Whether a particular tile suits a particular room depends on the product, so check its product page or ask SoCal Tiles.
Caring for natural stone: read our stone care guide.
Common questions
Is onyx tile real onyx?
Usually not, in the geological sense. Most decorative 'onyx' is onyx marble, a banded calcite stone, not the silica-based chalcedony that jewelry onyx is made of.
Does onyx glow when backlit?
Onyx can give off a soft glow when backlit. How much light a particular tile lets through varies, so ask before planning a backlit installation.
Is onyx the same as travertine?
No. Both are calcite, but travertine is naturally porous, while onyx marble is banded with a smoother face.
Sources
- Onyx, Wikipedia (retrieved 2026-09-24)
- Use Natural Stone, The Mystique of Onyx (retrieved 2026-09-24)
- Natural Stone Institute, Care & Cleaning of Natural Stone (retrieved 2026-09-23)
- SoCal Tiles product catalog: Honey Onyx (retrieved 2026-09-21)