The Truth About Using Onyx For Kitchen Countertops
With its luxurious veining and translucent glow, onyx countertops lend a dramatic flair to any kitchen design. But before installing this beautiful natural stone, it's essential to understand the practicalities of using onyx in a busy kitchen.
Onyx may offer stunning aesthetics, but it also requires diligent care and maintenance. Read on to learn the truth about onyx countertops - from the mesmerizing visual impact to the daily upkeep required.
What is Onyx?
Onyx is a banded variety of chalcedony, a type of quartz formed in caves and cavities within limestone rock. Concentrations of iron oxide and other minerals create the signature veining and colored bands that make onyx so distinctive.
While pure onyx is white, impurities result in various onyx types and colors. Sardonyx exhibits brown and white banding. Green onyx features shades of green and white or black. Onyx also occurs in red, yellow, and even blue.
Onyx Formation and Origins
Onyx deposits are found in Argentina, Brazil, India, Mexico, Peru, and the United States. Onyx forms when silica-rich water drips into gas pockets and cavities in limestone rock, depositing thin bands over thousands of years.
The translucent, banded chalcedony is then cut into slabs, polished and finished for use in construction, furniture, and décor.
Types of Onyx
While pure onyx is rare, several materials resemble true onyx, including:
- Limestone onyx - Made from banded limestone instead of chalcedony
- Travertine onyx - Formed by hot spring deposits with distinctive porous texture
- Onyx marble - Hybrid of limestone and chalcedony in an onyx-like pattern
Onyx Countertop Appearance
With mesmerizing veins and swirls, the visual allure of onyx counters is undeniable. The stone's translucent glow creates truly unique depth and dimension.
Stunning Patterns and Colors
No two onyx slabs have the same patterning. Tones of amber, tan, gray, cream, brown, black, and white twist and turn in hypnotic configurations.
Green onyx delivers an earthy look, while rare blue onyx evokes visions of deep ocean waters. Backlit onyx counters showcase the stone's translucency to full effect.
Finish Options
Onyx counters can be finished with a glossy polished surface that reflects light beautifully. For a softer aesthetic, an honed or matte finish minimizes glare while allowing the stone's markings to take center stage.
Onyx Durability Concerns
While enticing to the eye, onyx rates only 3-4 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it far softer than granites at 7-8. This intrinsic fragility means onyx requires extra care.
Vulnerable to Scratching and Chipping
Compared to tougher stones, onyx is prone to scratching, chipping, and cracking, especially on countertop edges and cutouts. Dropping a heavy pan or object can easily damage onyx.
Using cutting boards and hot pads is a must to prevent utensils, cookware, and appliances from abrading or scratching the surface. Cracks allow stains and liquids to penetrate into the porous stone.
Susceptible to Staining
Onyx is extremely porous, so spilled liquids - especially acids like lemon juice, wine, and vinegar - can lead to etching and permanent stains without swift cleanup. Diligent sealing is required, but reapplication every 1-2 years is still recommended.
Prone to Etching
Besides staining, acidic substances can erode and “etch” the onyx surface. These damaged areas dull and disrupt the visual uniformity of the stone. Avoid exposing onyx to acidic foods and liquids.
Onyx vs. Other Kitchen Countertops
How does onyx compare to popular countertop materials in both aesthetics and durability?
Onyx vs. Granite
More resilient than onyx, granite rates 7-8 on Mohs scale, making it very scratch and chip resistant. But granite lacks onyx’s translucent, banded beauty. Onyx needs much more sealing and care to prevent staining.
Onyx vs. Marble
Like onyx, marble is relatively soft and requires frequent sealing. However, marble offers a more subtle, classic look compared to onyx’s bold pattern. Onyx resists staining slightly better than porous marbles.
Onyx vs. Quartz
Engineered quartz counters are very tough and maintenance-free. But they lack natural stone’s variation and depth. Onyx needs more care but provides an organic, unique look quartz cannot replicate.
Onyx vs. Soapstone
Soapstone is heat resistant but also moderately soft. However, soapstone is less prone to staining or etching compared to porous onyx which requires vigilant sealing.
Caring for Onyx Countertops
Living with onyx counters means taking proper precautions to protect their vulnerable finish.
Diligent Sealing
Seal onyx counters every 6-12 months using a penetrating stone sealer. Sealing fills pores to prevent stains but needs reapplication as the sealant wears off over time.
Swift Cleanup of Spills
Immediately wipe up spills, especially acidic liquids like wine, juice, and cleaners. Leaving moisture allows stains to set and etching to occur. Have a stone-safe cleaner ready to treat accidents.
Cutting Boards Are Crucial
Always use cutting boards for food prep. Avoid placing hot pans directly on onyx. Trivets protect from heat damage. Take care to prevent heavy objects from impacting the surface.
Professional Deep Cleaning
Periodically engage a stone restoration professional to deep clean onyx using poultices and equipment to thoroughly clean and re-seal the counters.
Cost of Onyx Countertops
Expect to pay $75-$300 per square foot for onyx slabs, plus fabrication and installation. The rarer the color and patterning, the higher the price. Complex designs also drive up installation work.
Factors Affecting Onyx Cost
- Base material cost of the onyx slab
- Intricate edge profiles or cutout shapes
- Seam placement and matching veining patterns
- Complex installation requiring extra manhours
Bigger pieces minimize seams but come with a higher slab cost. The same onyx can range widely in price depending on quality.
Is Onyx Suitable for Kitchen Countertops?
Onyx requires special considerations before use in kitchens:
Best for Light-Use Kitchens
Onyx works best in kitchens seeing minimal daily use with few meal prep sessions and only occasional entertaining. The soft stone cannot withstand heavy, constant use.
Use in Select Areas
Rather than onyx counters stretching across the entire kitchen, focus on feature areas like islands, bar surfaces, or backsplashes. Minimize sections seeing direct food prep and moisture.
This smart placement reduces wear and tear while allowing you to enjoy onyx’s captivating aesthetics.
Expect More Upkeep
Onyx demands greater care and maintenance than granite, marble, or quartz. Those opting for onyx should be prepared for the daily precautions required.
Alternatives to Onyx for Kitchens
Homeowners leery of high-maintenance onyx might consider these durable options that offer natural beauty.
Granite
For a material capable of withstanding busy kitchens, few stones best granite. Available in diverse colors and patterns, granite brings style without fragility.
Quartz
If the natural stone look is desired without worries of staining or etching, engineered quartz offers reliable performance with an organic appearance.
Concrete
Sturdy yet stylish, concrete’s industrial vibe works in modern and traditional kitchens alike. Concrete needs minimal care compared to onyx.
While lacking onyx’s mesmerizing light patterns, these alternatives provide natural charm and easier maintenance.
Onyx undeniably provides eye-catching drama and elegance. Before selecting onyx counters, honestly assess your needs:
- How will the kitchen be used? Is it a busy, messy space or lightly used area?
- Are you able to perform regular sealing and dutifully wipe spills?
- Will the visual delight outweigh practical maintenance for your lifestyle?
Choosing countertops means balancing practicality and style. For some, onyx's captivating aesthetics are worth the upkeep required. Be realistic about whether your home can meet an onyx countertop’s special needs.
With knowledge of onyx’s pros, cons and care, you can decide if this eye-catching stone is the right fit for your kitchen.