Backlit onyx: what it is, where to use it and how it is installed

Few things impress like an onyx wall lit from behind: the stone seems to glow from within and every band becomes a pattern of colour. Here is how it works and what to plan for.

What onyx is

Decorative onyx is a banded stone formed by the slow deposition of calcium carbonate, often in springs and caves. Its thin layers are translucent: they let light through. Place a light source behind it and the bands glow in honey, green, pink or white tones.

Which stones can be backlit

• Onyx: the queen of backlighting. In our catalogue: Onyx Capuccino (honey and coffee), Green Onyx and Pink Onyx.
• Some translucent quartzites, such as Patagonia or Crystallo, whose crystal areas light up.
• Semi-precious stones such as Amethyst, which turns into violet stained glass.

Where it looks best

• Bar fronts and counters in restaurants, hotels and shops.
• Reception walls or behind the headboard in bedrooms.
• Bathrooms: behind the basin or as a bath panel.
• Lamps, tables and decorative pieces.

How it is installed

Each project is designed by the installer, but these are the key points:

1. Even light: LED panels or strips are spread evenly behind the stone. If the light is too close or unevenly placed, you get visible "hot spots".
2. Air gap: a space is left between the light and the stone so the light diffuses and the stone does not heat up.
3. Reinforcement: onyx is more fragile than marble, so slabs are often backed with mesh or laminated glass to keep them translucent and strong.
4. Access: plan how to replace the lighting without removing the stone.
5. Light colour: warm light enhances honey tones; neutral light brings out whites and greens.

Care

Onyx is softer than marble and not meant for hard-working kitchen countertops. On walls and panels it does not suffer: just clean it with a soft cloth and neutral soap, and seal it where there are splashes.

Before you decide

With onyx, the specific slab is everything: two slabs of the same onyx can look very different against the light. Ask us for photos of the available slabs and, if possible, view them backlit. Get a quote for your project.