Onyx is a translucent, layered calcitic stone available in pastel shades. It is typically formed in caves as stalactites and stalagmites by the slow precipitation of cold, mineral-rich water. Onyx is a variety of chalcedomy (a crysptocrystaline form of silica composed of very fine intergrowths of minerals quartz and moganite). The colours of its bands range from white to almost every colour, commonly onyx slabs contain bands of colours of white, tan and brown.
It is a very soft stone and somewhat brittle and needs to be installed where it will not be subject to hard-wear. This beautiful stone is characterised by its translucency and can actually be backlight for striking dramatic effects.