White onyx is a pale, glowing stone with soft banding and a translucent feel. This guide explains what white onyx is, how it differs from white marble, and which onyx and white stones we actually carry. Ready to browse? Start with our onyx tile collection.
A quick, honest note: our onyx range is Honey Onyx and Antico Onyx. We do not list a pure white onyx tile right now, so below you will also find the white looks we do carry, from white marble to white dolomite.
What Is White Onyx Stone?
Onyx is a natural stone known for layered bands and a see-through glow when light passes through it. Onyx can be white, honey, green or even red in nature, so onyx white stone exists as a color family. If you are asking "can onyx be white", the answer is yes: pale cream and white onyx is a classic. Raw white onyx and white onyx rock are quarried as large blocks, then cut and finished into tile. For the full story, read what is onyx.
People also search for white onyx marble, onyx white marble and white marble onyx. Onyx is not marble, but the two are close cousins in the design world: both are soft, polished and luxurious. See stone types to compare them.
The Onyx and White Stones We Carry
These are the onyx options and the closest white looks in our catalog.
Honey Onyx
Warm onyx in polished and split-faced finishes. Mosaics with black or white dots.
Antico Onyx
Onyx-named stone in tumbled, honed and antiqued finishes, with pool coping and trims.
- Honey Onyx: polished or split-faced, with mosaics such as basketweave with white dots.
- Antico Onyx: field tile, mosaics, liners and chair rail in tumbled, honed and other finishes.
- Thassos White and Oriental White: clean white marbles for a bright, calm look.
- Bianco Dolomite: a white dolomite, a marble alternative.
White Onyx vs. White Marble
Both stones are natural, polish-friendly and a little delicate. Onyx is the glow stone: banded, translucent and dramatic. White marble is the calm stone: bright, crisp and easier to use across a whole floor. If you love the clean white onyx marble idea but want a wider range of sizes and shapes, white marble gives you more choice. Browse white marble tile or read our white marble guide. Not sure about the difference? See what is marble.
Getting the White Onyx Look
You can build a white onyx look in three easy ways.
- Use onyx as the accent. A Honey Onyx feature wall or backsplash next to white marble floors. See our natural onyx backsplash tile guide.
- Go white and quiet. Thassos or Oriental White in a honed finish. Browse honed marble tile.
- Add soft pattern. White mosaics in hexagon or basketweave shapes bring texture without color.
White and Black Onyx Looks
Love white and black onyx? Our Honey Onyx basketweave comes with black dots and with white dots, which gives you that high-contrast feel in a mosaic. For bolder black, pair white stone with Nero Marquina, or browse black and white marble tile and checkerboard tiles. See our black marble tile guide too.
White Onyx With Light: The Glow Effect
Onyx is translucent, which is why white onyx marble with light behind it is such a famous luxury look. Backlighting is a specialist design choice, so talk to your designer or installer about it before you plan a wall. Our studio partners and project planning guide can help you get started.
White Onyx Stone Benefits
- Unique every time. No two tiles share the same bands.
- Bright and luxurious. It lifts a small room.
- Natural and timeless. A real stone, not a print.
The trade-off: onyx is softer than granite and sensitive to acids, so it suits walls and accents better than busy floors.
Where to Use White Onyx and White Stone
- Feature walls and backsplashes: see backsplash tile and wall tiles.
- Bathrooms: bathroom tile. Natural stone needs sealing in wet areas and a proper waterproofing system, so follow your installer.
- Fireplaces: a fireplace surround is a great spot for a glowing stone.
Caring for Onyx and White Stone
Seal, wipe spills quickly and skip harsh cleaners. Read the onyx care do's and don'ts, natural stone care, and etching vs. staining.
Styling Tips for White Onyx Looks
Keep the rest of the room simple. A glowing or banded stone is the star, so pair it with quiet neutrals and let the stone do the talking. White grout lines keep a mosaic soft, while a slightly darker grout adds definition; see the grout guide. Use trims to finish edges cleanly: stone trims and edges shows the options. If your space is small, a single onyx accent wall often has more impact than covering every surface.
Think about light too. Pale stone changes through the day, from cool in morning light to warm at night. Order samples and look at them in the room at different hours before you decide. That one habit prevents most color surprises with any light-colored natural stone.
How to Choose Your White Stone
- Choose the mood. Glow (onyx) or calm (white marble). Use the natural stone color codes.
- Choose a finish. Polished for shine, honed for soft. See honed vs. polished stone.
- Order samples. Any 5 samples are $25 and ship free: shop sample tiles.
- Match your lot. Our Same-Lot Guarantee keeps tile consistent.
Local? Pick up in Anaheim. Need help? Contact us or see the buying guide.
Common questions
What is white onyx?
White onyx is a pale natural stone with soft bands and a translucent glow. It is polished or honed into tile for walls, backsplashes and accents.
Can onyx be white?
Yes. Onyx comes in white, cream, honey and other colors. White onyx has soft, light banding that glows when lit.
Is white onyx the same as white marble?
No. Onyx is banded and translucent, while marble has veins and a more opaque look. They are both soft natural stones, so both need sealing and gentle care.
What is white onyx marble?
People often use that name for a white stone that looks like onyx and marble together. They are two stones. If you want white with soft movement, sample Thassos or Oriental White marble next to Honey Onyx.
Do you sell white onyx tile?
We carry Honey Onyx and Antico Onyx. We do not list a pure white onyx tile right now, so for a white look we suggest white marble or white dolomite. Contact us if you are searching for something specific.
What are the benefits of white onyx stone?
White onyx is bright, one of a kind and glows with light. It is softer than granite and sensitive to acids, so it works best on walls and accents.
What is white and black onyx?
It is a high-contrast look. Our Honey Onyx basketweave mosaics come with black dots and with white dots. For stronger black, pair white stone with Nero Marquina.
Can I put light behind white onyx?
Onyx is translucent, so backlit walls are a known luxury look. Ask your designer or installer to plan the lighting and the mounting before you order.
What does raw white onyx look like?
Raw white onyx and white onyx rock are quarried as blocks with pale bands and a waxy, glassy look. Tiles are cut from those blocks and finished polished or honed.
Is white onyx good for floors?
Onyx is soft and sensitive to acids, so we suggest walls, backsplashes and accents. For white floors, white marble or dolomite is a better fit.
Which white stone should I sample first?
Sample Thassos for the whitest look, Oriental White for soft movement and Honey Onyx for glow. Any 5 samples are $25 and ship free.
How do I care for white onyx?
Seal it, wipe spills fast and avoid acidic or harsh cleaners. Our onyx care guide covers do's and don'ts.