Marble and Onyx Applications and Finishes

Marble

Marble is formed from calcium carbonate and is highly regarded for its physical and chemical properties, such as high resistance to scratching, heat, impact, and corrosion, as well as its resistance to moisture and weather effects. It also has a beautiful and pleasing appearance and is resistant to stains and coloring.

Marble forms naturally over time as a result of pressure and temperature changes in the Earth’s layers. Initially, calcium carbonate exists as sediments in oceans or lakes. Over time and under high pressures, these calcium carbonate sediments transform into marble.

Due to its unique beauty and patterns, marble is used in the construction and interior decoration industries. It can be used to create various surfaces, cabinets, tables, stairs, flooring, walls, and other interior and exterior parts of buildings. Additionally, it is used as a construction material in industrial and commercial projects. Marble is also used in interior decoration and luxury space design due to its special design and beauty.

The physical properties of marble include high resistance to scratching, heat, impact, and corrosion. Furthermore, this stone has high resistance to moisture and weather effects. In terms of chemical properties, marble is resistant to stains and coloring. It does not absorb color, making it easy to clean and maintain its natural shine.

In general, marble is highly regarded for its physical and chemical properties, beautiful appearance, and is widely used in the construction and interior decoration industries.

The different types of marble finishes contribute to some unique aesthetic features and create an atmosphere of comfort, convenience, and individuality. The popular marble finishes are as following:

Polished: The polished finish gives the surface of the marble ahigh level of gloss and it can highlight the color. In addition to minimizing its porosity, the surface takes on a mirror-like appearance.

Honed: It provides a smooth but matt surface. Unlike the polished finish, the honed finish does not present shine, although it does present a uniform appearance and soft quality to the touch. 

Sandblasted: The sandblasted finish is characterized by a finely dotted surface which maintains the uniformity of its texture. It has a slightly worn color and grooves. 

Zero: The zero finish gives the surface of the material aslightly grainy, and matt appearance, and a slip-resistant condition. The coating highlights the color, especially in dark tones.

Flamed: It gives the rock arough, vitreous, and very natural appearance. Gentle mounds and depressions alternate by curling the surface, which becomes non-slip. 

Split face; The split-face finish exposes the reliefs and bumps of the block or slab. Its appearance is very similar to the one that would have a fragment broken by the natural cut technique.

Aged: The aged finish gives the stone a beautifully aged appearance through an entirely mechanical erosion process.

Textures: Textures print unique patterns on the surface of the material simulating textile textures.

Onyx

Onyx is a type of cryptocrystalline quartz that is formed in the same way as marble, through metamorphism of limestone or dolomite. However, onyx has distinct characteristics and properties compared to marble. Onyx is known for its striking appearance, with bands or layers of different colors. It is commonly found in shades of black, brown, white, and green, but can also occur in other colors such as red, yellow, and blue. These vibrant colors are due to the presence of impurities and mineral deposits in the stone. The physical properties of onyx include a similar density and hardness to marble. It has a density ranging from 2.5 to 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter and a hardness of around 3 on the Mohs scale. Onyx is also translucent or semi-translucent, allowing light to pass through and creating a unique visual effect. Chemically, onyx is composed of silica and has a similar reaction to acids as marble. It has low solubility in water and requires proper care to prevent damage or staining. 

Applications of onyx: Dimensional onyx marble specs include smooth textures, ease in crafting sculptures, hence making it highly manageable. Onyx marble tile is a reasonably strong and durable stone. It takes a good polish, popularly used as wall claddings, flooring, skirtings, tabletops, treads, kitchen countertops, stairs and risers, column bases, sculptures, and artifacts. Since time immemorial, onyx marble slabs and tiles have been used in temples, mosques, palaces, and homes. It is the most popular ornamental and decorative stone because of its translucency, unique and pleasing colors, attractive patterns, and visually stunning designs.