FAQs / Onyx
Q. What is the composition of Onyx?
A. It is composed of silica and has volcanic origin. The word onyx comes from the Greek “onux” and means “nail” or “claw”, in reference to its color.
Q. What are the characteristics of onyx?
A. This stone is generally black and white in color, although there are yellow, green and red varieties with a white stripe. It has a waxy luster, with opaque to translucent transparency. The crystallization system is trigonal (variant of the hexagonal).
Its hardness is 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It fractures conchoidally (it does not break homogeneously). It is a very tough and resistant mineral. Its density is 2.6 – 2.65 g / cm3.
Q. Where is onyx found ?
A. Onyx is a gemstone found in various regions of the world including Yemen, Uruguay, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Latin America, the UK, and various states in the US.
Q. Is onyx only black?
A. Onyx is a gemstone whose description can have several connotations. Its most accepted gemstone definition describes a solid black Chalcedony, or a banded or layered black and white Chalcedony. In its solid black form, Onyx is the most traditional black gemstone.
Q. How can you tell if onyx is real ?
A. If it’s a real onyx, the stone will remain unharmed, but if it’s fake it will be melted. In order to determine whether or not the Onyx gem you’re buying is of a good quality, you can just check the surface of the gem. The best gems have a well-polished surface that is also reflective.
Q. Can onyx get wet ?
A. Don’t wet the stone or soak it in water, however, as onyx is porous and absorbs liquids easily.
Q. What can i clean onyx with ?
A.To break up hard water/soap film deposits on your Onyx products, we also recommend a 50/50 white vinegar/water mix solution. Non-abrasive kitchen dish washing soap can also break up these deposits.
Q. Does onyx stain easily ?
A. Like other marbles, onyx is much softer than granite and is likely to stain or etch. Unlike other marbles, onyx is translucent and can be lit from behind to showcase its beauty.
Q. Does onyx break easily ?
A. Since onyx is a stone that can scratch, chip or crack easily, make sure you avoid hitting or bumping your onyx pieces.
FAQs / Marble
Q. What is marble?
A. Marble is a natural stone that originates from the metamorphosis of limestone, a crystallization of the original rock occurs, causing greater resistance and hardness.
Q. Where does the word come from?
A. The word marble is derived from the Greek marmaron, which means “crystalline rock” or “shiny stone.”
Q. What is Marble used for?
A. Marble is used above all for the construction and decoration of: Floors, Facades, Walls, Bathrooms, Kitchens, Stairs, Headstones, Columns, Pantheons, Monuments, Sculptures and ornamental elements.
Q. How do yo clean it?
A. The marble is very porous, you should not leave on the piece products that can stain or discolor the plateau and it should be cleaned with only soap and water with a neutral PH, just no chemicals.
Q. What’s the difference between marble and granite?
A. The main difference is that the marble is transformed from a calcareous rock into resistant sea marble than the original and the granite is formed from burning lava at high temperature and pressure and has a grain shape that join together.
Granite is harder and scratch or shock resistant which is why it is used on kitchen countertops.
Marble is more delicate that is why it is used in vanity tops, showers and bathroom walls.
Q. What are the most common types of marbles?
A. There are many types but they are usually classified by color (white, red, cream pink, beige, black, gray green, arabesque, travertine and onyx) or by their origin: Macael, Pakistani, Turkish, Portuguese and Italian Carrara.
