Onyx is your showstopper if you want a surface that turns your kitchen into art. With its extremely dramatic veining, translucent appearance similar to glass, and distinct colour bands, Onyx is a material that will literally transform any space, almost impossible to imitate with regular stones. You may be wondering, “Is Onyx good for kitchen worktops?” It is the best and ideal option for a kitchen to have a modern and elegant look.
Onyx worktops are similarly more delicate to smaller block-type materials such as granite or quartz and therefore demand pre-arranged planning and the right kind of care. This guide will introduce you to the advantages and tips for keeping it bright for a long time. Let us dive in to know more!
What Is Onyx Stone?
Onyx is one of the most eye-catching natural materials, made out of layered calcite from a cold spring or groundwater. Various best uses of Onyx in kitchen design make it more popular among people who love modern trends. The process of mineral-rich water forming parallel bands that give Onyx its characteristic striped look takes thousands of years.
The bands for Onyx come in almost every possible colour from cream and amber to honey and even soft pinks. Each slab has its own unique features. The main allure of Onyx is definitely its natural translucence.
But onyx is rarer and softer than materials like granite or quartzite, and it also requires careful handling. Granted, for the sake of its visual impact, Onyx has been extensively used in statement worktops, feature wall panels, bathroom vanities, and illuminated design elements, to name a few, which showcase its radiant beauty.
Where Is Onyx Used in Home Design?
- Kitchen Islands and Backsplashes: The moment one sees Onyx with its bold veining and natural glow can visually upgrade a simple kitchen and give it a luxurious touch.
- Bathroom Walls and Sinks: The spa-like elegance is created by their silky texture and attractive patterns.
- Bars and Reception Counters: Onyx is a focal point that designers use to attract the most admiration from the guests, thanks to its vibrant colours and the luxuriousness that this material conveys.
- Backlit Decorative Walls: Onyx is a highly translucent material, hence, light can easily go through it, bringing out a stunning glowing effect.
Reasons why Onyx is chosen for statement pieces
The natural translucence of every slab makes it an ideal material for designs that are unique and show-stopping.
Pros and Cons of Onyx Worktops
What are the pros and cons of onyx stone? There are numerous Onyx pros and cons. Here are those,
Pros of Onxy Worktops
- Unique appearance: Individual onyx slabs feature different veins and colourations. It gives your home a distinctive look.
- Translucent: Backlit Onyx countertops may be illuminated from behind to produce incredible light effects. It is ideal for islands or feature panels that make a statement.
- Luxury appeal: The sophisticated style of the interiors of any modern, boutique, or designer type is raised by the use of this material.
- Adds property value: As a top-tier natural stone, an Onyx kitchen surface can increase the market value of your kitchen.
Cons of Onxy Worktops
- Soft & scratch-prone: Onyx is a fragile material that can be scratched or can have an acid etch very easily, and it should be used gently every day.
- Requires regular sealing: Its porous nature requires ongoing maintenance to remain stain resistant.
- Not ideal for heavy-use kitchens: The material is better suited to spaces with little foot traffic or for decoration.
- Expensive: Onyx is more expensive than granite or marble, therefore, it is considered to be a substantial investment.
Onyx Stone vs Other Natural Stones
Onyx stone countertops are a type of natural stone that is transparent and features dramatic colour bands. Marble is the one that has been around the block and is quite beautiful with a moderate level of durability, while granite is the toughest and requires the least maintenance.
Quartzite carries the charm of a natural stone, and with its very high hardness, it becomes a strong yet trendy way of solving the homeowners’ problem. Below is a brief comparison to help you decide which stone is best for your kitchen.
| Feature | Onyx | Marble | Granite | Quartzite |
| Appearance | Translucent, banded | Veined | Speckled | Subtle veins |
| Hardness | Soft | Medium | Hard | Very hard |
| Maintenance | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Typical Price (UK) | £600–£1,000/m² | £300–£600/m² | £250–£500/m² | £350–£700/m² |
| Suitable For | Bars, Feature walls | Bathrooms | Kitchens | Kitchens |
How to Care for Onyx Worktops
Onyx worktops are very fragile, and they have to be taken care of very gently and regularly if you want to keep the lustre and avoid the acid damage. Use the methods listed below to always have a flawless surface.
Daily Cleaning
- Prepare a soft cloth or a microfiber towel soaked in warm water with mild soap.
- Lightly wipe the surface to remove dust and light spills.
Weekly / Monthly Maintenance
- Use chemical free stone cleaner to keep the stone clear and to prevent it from fading.
- It is always a good idea to use soft cloths for onyx care and maintenance.
Essential Tips
- Coasters should always be used under wine or soda glasses.
- Wipe off the liquids that have dripped, especially oil and citrus juice and make sure that the area is clean to prevent them from staining or etching.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Use a pH-neutral cleanser | Use acid based cleanser |
| Reseal regularly | Leave spills overnight |
| Use coasters | Cut directly on the surface |
How Much Do Onyx Worktops Cost?
It is between £600 and £1,000 per square meter on average in 2025. However, fewer coloured and uniquely veined pieces will be priced even higher. Besides, the total price is affected by slab thickness, slab colour, and the size of the worktop area.
Backlighting is another significant variable in the cost of onyx worktops, as it makes the stone look naturally translucent. Moreover, wiring in heating systems increases installation costs due to the need for additional materials and skilled labour. The cost of Onyx in the UK will go up if you have a complicated layout, curved edges, or need to be very precise with your cutting.
