Onyx is a sedimentary stone formed as calcium carbonate carried by spring waters settles, layer upon layer, over thousands of years. What sets it apart from marble is that its crystal structure does not stop light at the surface: light enters the stone, diffuses between the layers, and emerges, softened, on the other side.
Where does the translucency come from?
Calcite crystals are arranged in thin, parallel layers. The cleaner and thinner the layers, the more easily light passes through. This is why white onyx transmits the most light, while honey and orange onyx tint it amber.
The vein map
Veins form when minerals such as iron oxide seep between the layers. Every block carries its own map, which is why no two Nyxora lamps ever look the same. In our atelier, the block number of every piece is recorded.
Choosing a light source
The light that shows the veins of onyx most faithfully is warm white 2700 K. Cooler light turns the stone gray, while warmer light blurs the distinction between the veins. That is why we recommend 2700 K for Nyxora lamps.
Light is not reflected; it filters through the stone.