Vanilla onyx tile
12" X 24" X 3/8"
Vanilla
Polished
$71.00 per S/F
Onyx vs quartz is a comparison many people start with when planning new kitchen counters, bathroom design, or decorative surfaces. Each stone tells its own story, and the choice of material shapes the way a room feels. At Artistic Tile, we don’t sell quartz, but we recognize it as a point of contrast that helps highlight the unmatched beauty of what we do offer, natural stone, mosaics, and slabs that can grow with the space over time.
Onyx vs Quartz: Two Very Different Stones
When you look at onyx vs quartz, you are comparing two materials with very different personalities. Onyx is natural stone, shaped over time with mineral deposits that create translucent qualities and a glowing effect. Quartz is usually engineered stone made from quartz surfaces bound with resin into a polished slab.
This means onyx brings natural color variations and realistic textures that can easily become the element that defines a space. Quartz surfaces are more about uniform style, often chosen in projects outside of Artistic Tile’s collections.
The Beauty of Onyx in Counters and Walls
Onyx countertops are all about visual impact. Light moves through the stone in ways that immediately brighten up a room. If you want to go bold, onyx brings intricate patterns, glowing effect, and symmetry and movement that few stones can match.
You can use it in bathroom design, as a feature wall, or on kitchen counters that are not under heavy use. You could even use backlighting to draw the eye from one side of the slab to the other. This look works best when you treat the stone as decorative, because onyx is delicate and sensitive to acidic substances.
Careful maintenance is part of the commitment. Onyx should be sealed, and cleaned with ph neutral cleaners or non abrasive cleaners. Abrasive cleaners should not be used, as they can cause etching and stains. If you want to create a one of a kind look, onyx is a great option that inspires new tile ideas to spark your design.
Quartz Surfaces as a Point of Contrast
Quartz, while engineered, is often compared against natural stone because it is seen as a low maintenance surface for high traffic areas. It does not have the translucent qualities of onyx or the natural luster of marble, granite, or quartzite. Still, it is part of the conversation because many homeowners weigh its consistency against the artistry of natural stone.
In contrast to quartz, materials like onyx, marble, and quartzite slabs highlight qualities that are one of a kind. They carry patterns, natural luster, and visual character that go beyond function, making them all beautiful choices for design.
| Attribute | Onyx | Quartz |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Natural stone formed by mineral deposits over time | Engineered stone made from quartz surfaces bound with resin |
| Look | Translucent qualities with glowing effect and unique patterns | Consistent, uniform style with polished finish |
| Hardness | Delicate; sensitive to scratches and etching | Stronger surface designed to handle daily use |
| Resistance to Acidic Substances | Low; can etch from lemon juice, wine, or vinegar | Higher; less affected by acidic spills |
| Best Use | Feature walls, bathroom design, decorative counters | Kitchen countertops, high traffic areas |
| Maintenance | Needs careful maintenance, ph neutral cleaners, sealing | Promoted as low maintenance; sealing not required |
| Design Appeal | One of a kind aesthetic appeal; glowing effect adds impact | Clean, consistent look that fits modern design |
Granite, Marble, Quartzite, and Soapstone
The conversation does not stop with onyx vs quartz. Granite, marble, quartzite, and even soapstone are part of the decisions people make when planning new counters or flooring. Granite is often chosen for heavy use, marble offers natural luster, quartzite has polished strength with unique patterns, and soapstone gives a softer, understated look.
These are all beautiful choices within Artistic Tile’s collections. They are materials we work with every day in slabs, mosaics, and surfaces that can turn an everyday space into something inspiring.
Practical Care Tips for Natural Stone
The choice of material is only part of the conversation. You can also think about how to care for it. Onyx is delicate, while stones like marble or quartzite are more forgiving.
- Always use ph neutral cleaners.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners that may cause etching.
- Wipe spills quickly, especially acidic substances like lemon juice.
- For bathroom design, remember steam and soaps may affect the stone differently.
This is a great way to keep natural stone polished and ready for everyday life.
Design Decisions and Style
Onyx is best used for a feature wall, bathroom counters, or a slab that can stand as the element that defines this space. If you want to create something bold, backlit onyx creates movement and depth in a way engineered stone never could.
Other stones like marble and quartzite give you opportunities for flooring, counters, and mosaics that tie into the rest of your home design. The choice of material will shape how the space feels, and it is also elemental enough that it will not look dated over time.
Let’s Design Something You’ll Love
Onyx vs quartz is a useful comparison, but it is not the final answer. At Artistic Tile, we draw on the beauty of natural stone such as onyx, marble, quartzite, granite, and mosaics to inspire your home design. You can easily get creative with tile and its many colors, pairing slabs and mosaics in a way that balances impactful design with everyday living.
Let’s design a one of a kind space together, using natural stone that adds a fun, playful spirit or creates an unexpected focal point. With Artistic Tile, you can find a material that feels personal, ready to inspire, and ready to grow with your space.
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