Onyx
Translucent, dramatic, demands a careful home.
Onyx is a banded calcite stone, often translucent enough to backlight. It is soft, brittle, and reactive — best treated as a feature material, not a workhorse.
Telltale traits
- translucent banding
- dramatic veining
- high gloss
Best for
- • Backlit walls
- • Bar fronts
- • Powder room vanities
- • Fireplace surrounds
Avoid for
- • Kitchens
- • High-traffic floors
Cleaning routine
Daily
Soft cloth with water only.
Weekly
Stone-safe pH-neutral cleaner; dry immediately.
Deep clean
Professional polishing recommended.
Sealing
Yes — Every 6–12 months
High-quality penetrating sealer is essential.
What to avoid
Any acidic cleanerAbrasivesHeavy impacts
When to call a pro
Almost all onyx repairs should be done by a stone restoration pro.
Safe products & ingredients
Stone family: Calcium-based (acid-sensitive)
Use these products
- • pH-neutral stone cleaner (e.g. MB Stone Care MB-5, Granite Gold Daily Cleaner, Method Daily Granite)
- • Microfiber cloth + warm distilled water for daily wipe-downs
- • Impregnating penetrating sealer (e.g. Miracle 511, Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold) every 6–12 months
- • Marble polishing powder for light etches
Look for these ingredients
- • Neutral pH 7–8 surfactants
- • Distilled or filtered water
- • Food-grade mineral oil (only on honed soap residue test patches)
- • Calcium carbonate / cerium oxide polishing compounds
Never use on this stone
Avoid these products
- • Vinegar, lemon juice, or any citrus cleaner
- • Bleach, ammonia, or all-purpose sprays (Windex, Lysol, 409, Mr. Clean)
- • Tub & tile or grout cleaners (CLR, Lime-A-Way, Soft Scrub)
- • Bar Keepers Friend, Magic Eraser, or any abrasive pad
- • DIY baking-soda + vinegar pastes
Scan labels for these ingredients
- Acetic acid (vinegar)
- Citric acid
- Hydrochloric / muriatic acid
- Phosphoric acid
- Sodium hypochlorite (bleach)
- Ammonium hydroxide (ammonia)
- Oxalic acid
Do's and don'ts at a glance
Do
- Blot — never wipe — spills immediately, especially wine, coffee, oil, and citrus
- Use coasters, trivets, and cutting boards on counters
- Dust mop floors before damp mopping with a neutral cleaner
- Reseal on a 6–12 month cadence; test with a water bead
Don't
- Don't let acidic foods sit — even a lemon slice etches in minutes
- Don't scrub with green pads, steel wool, or scouring powder
- Don't use 'natural' or 'green' cleaners without checking the pH
- Don't apply waxes or topical sealers that build a film
Frequently asked questions
Can onyx be backlit?
Yes — many slabs are translucent and stunning when lit from behind with even LED panels.
Does onyx scratch?
Easily. Treat it like a soft marble and protect from impacts.
Popular Onyx varieties
Step-by-step guides
How to clean Onyx
The safe way to clean onyx surfaces. What to use, what to skip, and a step-by-step routine that won't damage the finish.
How to seal Onyx
Step-by-step guide to sealing onyx. The water test, the right sealer, dwell time, and how often to reseal.
How to polish Onyx
Bring back the gloss on onyx. The DIY polishing powder method, when to call a pro, and what not to use.