Onyx tile and stone

Onyx Tile and Stone – Durable Natural Stone with Expert Protection Tips

As an expert in the tile and stone industry, we present to you our Onyx Tile and Stone collection. Made with 100% natural onyx, this collection offers a unique and luxurious touch to any space. With its beautiful veining patterns and durability, it's a perfect choice for those looking for both aesthetic appeal and long-lasting quality.

Onyx tile and stone are prized for their natural beauty and durability, offering a luxurious finish for walls, floors, and decorative surfaces. Understanding whether onyx requires protection and the best installation methods is key to preserving its elegance and longevity.

Does Onyx Tile and Stone Need Protection?

Natural onyx, often referred to as natural jade, has a uniform and dense structure with a very low water absorption rate. This makes it highly waterproof and resistant to stains, meaning most onyx tiles and stones do not require protective treatment. In fact, applying a protective agent to dense onyx is often superfluous and wasteful, as these agents cannot penetrate its interior.

However, some onyx tiles and stones may contain micro-cracks. In these cases, protective agents can seep into these micro-cracks and provide additional protection, especially important for wet-paste installations where moisture exposure is greater. For wall installations, protection is generally unnecessary, while floor installations may benefit from protection if micro-cracks are present.

Understanding Marble and Thick Installation Methods

Marble, sometimes called “Dian stone,” “Aragonite,” or “Cangshi,” is a unique natural stone from Diancang Mountain, Yunnan. Its chemical composition consists of carbonated ash crystals, with colors typically divided into white and colored varieties. Beyond stone screens, marble is widely used in furniture decoration—such as table panels, chair backs, and cabinet door inlays—adding a refined finishing touch to interiors.

Thick installation is a traditional technique, often used for heavy stones like Honey Onyx. It involves laying thick sand (about 100mm deep) beneath stone slabs thicker than 30mm to prevent sinking over time. Unlike typical dry or wet mortar installations, thick sand provides better long-term support for heavy slabs, ensuring durability and stability.

Historical Context of Thick Sand Installation

The thick sand installation method dates back to prehistoric times when early humans used rubble stones to build walkable grounds. This ancient technique was also used by the Romans, whose monumental roads laid with thick stone slabs remain visible across Europe today. The method is valued for its simplicity, strength, and longevity, highlighting the enduring wisdom in natural stone installation.

Choose Onyx Tile and Stone from PurchaseStones for premium quality, natural resilience, and timeless beauty—backed by expert advice on protection and installation.