Marble Tiles, Worktops, and Onyx

Marble is a great material for your kitchen. Marble Islands with distinctive veining and patterns can be very appealing and a great addition. Marble is a very durable material but you should be careful with sharp objects and it can damage the surface of your marble countertop.

Honed marble has a much more matte, non-reflective look, hence more natural. Polished marble has been smoothed and shined, resulting in a shiny reflective look compareed to Honed.

Origin

Marble is a metamorphic rock formed through a transformation of limestone under intense heat and pressure. Onyx, on the other hand, is a banded variety of chalcedony that forms from the gradual deposition of minerals from water in caves.

Appearance

Marble often has a more traditional appearance with swirling veins and patterns in a variety of colors. It requires polishing to achieve a high-gloss finish. Onyx is known for its distinctive parallel bands of color and possesses a natural shine. It can often display more vibrant colors than marble and has a translucent quality.

Durability

Marble is a moderately durable material, but it can be scratched, stained, or etched by acidic substances. Onyx is even softer than marble, making it more susceptible to damage and requiring extra care.

Translucency

Marble is opaque, meaning light cannot pass through it. Onyx is often translucent, allowing light to pass through and creating a beautiful, luminous effect.

Usage

Marble is widely used for countertops, flooring, decorative elements, and sculptures due to its versatility and classic look. Onyx, while more fragile, is favored for statement pieces, decorative accents, and areas with less wear and tear.

Both onyx and marble offer stunning beauty, but with distinct characteristics. Marble provides classic luxurious look and moderate durability, while onyx brings a dramatic, translucent flair with a more delicate nature. The best choice for you depends on your aesthetic preferences and the intended use.

Marble is a very durable material but like all materials it has its weaknesses. Acidic materials can cause marks and damage to your marble, as such keep away acidic materials from your marble as much as possible.

Use warm water and soft cloths to clean your marble surfaces.

Seal your marble atleast once a year to keep moisture out and protect from yellow colour caused by iron oxidation.

Preventative care is key so always use cutting boards, coasters and placemats when using sharp materials in your marble kitchen. For floors use barrier mats and encourage shoes-off policy.