Onyx vs. Granite

Onyx

• Onyx is a calcareous stone that is formed primarily in caves. It is prized for its shiny, swirling colors. The black onyx variety is enviable for its smooth texture and even color. It is often polished and presented as a curiosity, and can be etched or sculpted in a variety of ways. It is often used as a counter top in high-end homes and hotels. Onyx offers an exotic, unique look, in part because light is able to pass through the stone.

Onyx Pros and Cons

• Onyx is one of the most beautiful stones to look at, and no two pieces are every the same. Because onyx is made from calcium deposits, however, it has several drawbacks. First, it is a rather fragile stone. When onyx is used for a counter top, a fiberglass mesh material is typically placed on the back to help strengthen and support it. It scratches easy and reacts to acids, including those found in lemons and other citrus fruits; vinegar; and most fruit juices. If these items come into contact with onyx, etching of the surface typically occurs. Another drawback is availability. Large pieces of this stone are seldom found, and as such, onyx is generally only used for small areas, else patched together in pieces. Patching onyx is often quite costly.

Granite

• Granite is an igneous stone that is used for a variety of purposes, including counter tops and sculptures. It has many of the marbled, shiny characteristics of oynx, and comes in a similarly wide range of colors. Granite is composed of ultra-durable quartz, feldspar and mica, and is able to withstand heat and exposure to most elements.

Granite Pros and Cons

• Purchasing granite is often pricey, but the overall cost is usually far less than onyx. It can often be purchased in very large sections, as well, but the price often depends at least in part on the perceived beauty of the slab.. Food spills and compounds containing acids, such as lemon juice and harsh weather, do not typically affect granite. This makes it an enviable stone to use as a counter top, or as an outdoor statue or sculpture. Although not completely resistant to chipping and breaking, granite is extremely durable in most uses.