Where is Onyx Marble found?
Banded Calcite (Travertine)
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Open the appOnyx Marble occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Onyx Marble
Mexico
Significant deposits, particularly in Puebla, producing a wide range of colors and patterns, often referred to as 'Mexican Onyx'.
Pakistan
Known for producing green and multi-colored onyx marble.
Iran
Historical source, particularly for yellow and white varieties.
Turkey
Various deposits yielding different colors and patterns.
Egypt
Ancient source, often called 'Egyptian Alabaster' historically, used extensively in pharaonic times.
USA
Deposits in Arizona, California, and Utah, often associated with hot springs.
Collecting tips
- Look for Karstic Features. Onyx Marble is found in areas with limestone bedrock, caves, and active or extinct hot/cold springs. Look for evidence of past or present water flow and calcium carbonate deposition.
- Identify Banding. The most distinctive feature is its parallel banding. This differentiates it from unbanded travertine or other massive calcite deposits.
- Acid Test (Caution). Calcite reacts vigorously with dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl), producing effervescence (fizzing) due to the release of CO2. This test should be done carefully on a small, inconspicuous area as it can damage polished surfaces. This distinguishes it from true onyx (quartz), which does not react.
- Check for Translucency. Many varieties of Onyx Marble exhibit a degree of translucency, especially in thinner sections, which can be observed by holding a light source behind it.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Banded, various colors (white, cream, yellow, green, brown, red)
- Luster:
- Vitreous to waxy
- Streak:
- White
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