Onyx
From MaterialProject.org, the free architectural material catalog
Contents |
Material analysis
MasterFormat Number: 09 30 00
History
- The name Onyx comes from the greek word 'onyx', which means nail or claw.
- Onyx which is reddish brown and white is known as sardonyx. This type of onyx was highly valued in Rome for seals because it was said to never stick to the wax.
Traditional uses
- Traditionally onyx has been used for centuries to adorn places of worship.
- Today onyx is used primarly for floors, walls and decorative backsplashes and fireplace surrounds.
- Onyx is used frequently as accent walls while back-lit in bars, restaurants, and lobbies.
- Certain flooring applications (slippage must be considered).
- Installed as countertop or wall surface (similar to marble).
- Installed as horizontal or vertical panel or partition.
Emerging uses / trends
- Use for walls or partitions
- backlighting for dramatic effect
- vessel sinks
- Natural patterns of onyx form unique and intricate designs. When lit up, patterns become almost three dimensional. Back lit onyx panels are very popular interior design elements, especially when made of yellow or brown onyx. Recommended for bars and restaurants where lighting is usually dim. Used for wall cladding and various stonework, including bath surrounds and vanity units. Used for lamp stands, table tops, bar stands, skirting, windowsills and stair risers.
Finish and aesthetic qualities
- Available in a range of colors from creamy whites, golds and ambers to orange, reds, browns deep greens, and grays.
- It has a crystalline appearance rich in color, pattern and opalescence.
- Transmits light, beautiful natural veining and coloration, similar to marble in qualities and applications.
- Can be honed or polished.
- Transparent, unique color, natural patterning. When back-lit the transparent quality allows for dramatized coloring and glow. The transmitter of light. An exquisite and unique stone which is expensive. It is a form of marble which is millions of years old.
Surface forms / shapes
- Tiles, slabs or blocks.
- Can be custom cut.
- Similar to marble, can be finished with a polished surface, which is a glossy and reflective surface finish which deepens the color and contrasts within the stone. Can also have a honed surface finish which is a matte like low sheen finish.
Cost analysis
- Average from $25 - $115 per square foot.
- Varies widely depending on color, rarity, freighting costs, size of slab, among other factors.
Material properties
Primary structural use
- Applied, not structural (walls need to be supported).
- Can be attached to fiberglass matting to stabilize (fissures can open over time) unless it is going to be backlit.
- For panels, underlying walls and adhesive should light-colored because of the translucency of the stone.
- Tiles are installed with adhesive and grout (must be sealed).
Material performance
- Veins can cause weak points that might cause cracking or crumbling.
- Easy to maintain, doesn’t absorb liquids, hard and durable, does not need to be sealed (except grout for tiles) unless cracks or fissures open.
- Porous and it will etch if you’re not careful, needs to be sealed, and is a softer and more fragile natural stone. Absorbs water and liquids easily which tend to stain the stone. Once a stain is absorbed into onyx, it is extremely hard to remove.
Dimensional and opening restriction
- Tile – ½” - ¾” thick, 1”x1” to 24”x24”.
- Slab – 2-3 cm or ¾” or 1 ¼” thick, 8’-10’ slab.
- 2cm (3/4”) thick for walls, 3cm (1-1/4”) thick for countertops.
- Tolerances:
- Part Thickness + or - 1/16 inch
- Gel Coat Thickness + or - 3 mils
- Length + or - 1/8 inch
- Variation from Square 1/8 inch
Acoustic property
- Low Acoustic Value.
Manufacturing process and assembly
- Mined around the world, especially in Brazil, India, California and Uruguay.
- Water dissolves the existing limestone and redeposits it. It is quartz crystals fused together into translucent layers of stone. This stone is also used as a mineral gem. Onyx is quarried from the earth and hauled off to distributers in slabs. Those slabs are then cut to size and finished whether polished, honed, and sent to customer.
- When ordering onyx for a project make sure that you get the stone from the same shipment or batch. Since onyx is a natural product colors and patterning will vary greatly.
Environment and Life Safety
Environmental impact
- Onyx is not an easily renewable source. It is, however, environmentally friendly in that it is manufactured using natural materials and does not retain odors, allergens, or bacteria.
- Adhesives or mortars used during the installation process can be toxic.
- Onyx marble is often found in limestone caves in countries like Turkey, Italy and Iran. It costs a lot to mine and transport.
- It takes millions of years to produce naturally.
Flammability rating
- Very good.
Coefficient of friction
- Must use caution when installing as flooring.
- Can be honed to meet COF or installed in the form of smaller tiles with appropriate grout.
- Polished-Coefficient of Friction: >= 0.50 wet
- Stained - Coefficient of Friction: >= 0.50 wet
- Matte Natural - Coefficient of Friction: >= 0.65 wet
References
Notes
- www.buildingtradesdir.com
- www.mineralszone.com/natural-stones/onyx.html
- www.marble-travertine.com/gallery.php
- www.findstone.com
- www.stonesource.com
Student contributions
- Abigail Joyce, Fall 2005
- Sarah Peters, Spring 2007
- Erin Dudley, Spring 2008
- Heather Gray, Spring 2009
See also
Similar materials
Building references
External links
Additional resources
Leading manufacturers
- SlabUSA
- Stone Contact
- Stonesource
- Apex Stone
- Walker Zanger
- Puccio Marble & Onyx
- Marrazzi USA
- ABC Worldwide Stone,
