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. White onyx meaning in tile terms: it is the same banded onyx marble in a pale, creamy-white color, not a different mineral.
- 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:
Honey Onyx is also available Split-Faced, and in mosaics such as basketweave, hexagon, diamond, raindrop, brick and square. Looking for white, clear or green onyx? Our onyx line is warm Honey Onyx, so tell us what you are matching and we will point you to the closest stone. Any 5 samples are $25 and ship free: order samples, or pick up in Anaheim.
Appearance and variation
Onyx marble shows bands of color. The most common color is a warm honey; white, green and brown also occur.
White onyx and clear onyx
White onyx is pale, with soft creamy bands. Clear onyx usually means a pale, translucent onyx that lets light pass through, which is why it is a favorite for backlit walls. How much light a tile transmits varies, so ask before planning a backlit wall. For a stone with a warm, glowing look today, see Honey Onyx.
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.
White onyx meaning
In the tile world, white onyx means onyx marble in white or cream. It is the same banded calcite as every other onyx marble, only paler. Crystal and jewelry shops use "white onyx" in other ways, and spiritual meanings are outside what we can speak to.
Is onyx marble?
Not in the strict sense. Despite the name onyx marble, onyx forms from mineral-rich water, much like travertine, rather than by heat and pressure like true marble. It is still calcite, so it cares like marble. Compare with the Marble family page and Dolomite.
Is onyx porous? Is onyx durable?
Onyx has a smoother face than travertine, but as a calcite stone it can still absorb liquids and stain. Calcite is fairly soft, so onyx scratches and etches more easily than harder stones. That is why it is usually chosen for walls and accents rather than busy floors. Wipe spills quickly and seal as advised. See etching vs staining and our onyx care do's and don'ts.
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.
What is onyx stone good for?
Onyx is a statement stone: backlit feature walls, bar fronts, accent bands and backsplashes. Browse wall tiles and backsplash tile, or read about genuine natural onyx backsplash tile. Because calcite is fairly soft, most people skip onyx for heavy-traffic floors.
Care and related stones
Follow our stone care guide. Want a different look? Compare Travertine, Marble and honed vs polished finishes, or explore the Stone Encyclopedia.
Helpful guides: Stone types
Caring for natural stone: read our stone care guide.
Compare
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.
What is white onyx, and what does white onyx mean?
In tile, white onyx is onyx marble in a pale, creamy-white color: banded calcite that can glow when backlit. It is not a different mineral from other onyx tile. Spiritual or crystal meanings are outside what we can speak to.
Is onyx marble?
Not strictly. Onyx marble forms from mineral-rich water, like travertine, instead of from heat and pressure like true marble. It is the same calcite mineral, so it needs marble-style care: pH-neutral cleaner, quick wipe-ups and no acids.
What is onyx stone good for?
Onyx is chosen for statement surfaces: feature walls, backlit panels, bar fronts, accent bands and backsplashes. Because it is fairly soft, it is usually used on walls and accents more than on busy floors. Ask us if you are planning a specific room.
Is onyx porous?
Onyx has a smoother face than travertine, but as a calcite stone it can still absorb liquids and stain. Wipe spills quickly and seal it as advised. Sealing helps with stains but does not stop acids from etching.
Is onyx durable?
Onyx is beautiful but delicate. Calcite is fairly soft, so onyx can scratch and etch more easily than harder stones, and it is best on walls and accents. With gentle care, it keeps its glow for years.
What is the difference between onyx and amber?
They are different things. Onyx tile is a banded calcite stone, while amber is fossilized tree resin used mainly in jewelry. If you mean color, onyx comes in warm amber-like honey tones, and SoCal Tiles sells Honey Onyx.
What is clear onyx?
Clear onyx usually means a pale, translucent onyx that lets light pass through, often used for backlit walls. How much light a tile transmits varies, so ask before planning a backlit wall. Our onyx line is Honey Onyx, and we can help you find a close match.
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)