The gemstone onyx is too expensive and is therefore used scarcely in interiors. Most often the walls and stairs are made of marble onyx which is softer than precious onyx and much more readily available. It is neither marble nor onyx, but resembles them both. Onyx marbles come in a variety of patterns and in soft, creamy colors. The most common onyx shades are green, yellow, pink and white.

One of the most attractive aesthetic properties of onyx is its ability to transmit light. Because of translucency, soft colours and bold patterns, onyx walls and counters acquire mysterious look when backlit. Artificial light sources are often installed to strengthen the effect. When combined with hidden strips of LED lights, this stone will make furniture and other elements glow.

The transparency of onyx slabs depends on their thickness and composition. Onyx sheets of 2-4 cm thick look great as furniture tops and worktops. Onyx is suitable for window sills, less so for stairs and floors (unless you are going to use slippers to walk on them). Onyx can be combined with wood, concrete, steel and glass to create modern and stylish interiors. A translucent onyx strip installed in a bathroom wall, onyx kitchen island or cold fireplace surround from onyx will look amazing.

Sensitive and fragile, onyx slabs do not like changes in temperatures and can therefore only be used indoors. Onyx scratches quickly and needs to be handled more carefully than other decorative stones. It is necessary to protect onyx surfaces from mechanical damage and from changes of temperature. This stone normally is not used in exterior.