Translucent onyx is a very special material. It is stone, cold, hard, and mountain born it has an ancient lineage and legacy which gives it an inherent power. And yet this almost overbearing sense of strength is tempered in a variety of ways, from the glistening surface of the polished face of the stone, to the light translucence that allows illumination to permeate its face. In this way onyx as a material is a dichotomy of disparate elements brought together in a single form.

It is the translucence, the ability of light to actually pass through the surface of a piece of marble that makes it a material that can be used in decorative lighting accessories. The glow of the bulb actually passes through the stone, lighting it up from the inside, and revealing hidden veins of color within the material.

When not used in a lamp, the translucence of the onyx still plays a role, as the light from a room can actually pass from outside in, penetrating the surface of the onyx just enough to make it look like it is slightly glowing. This effect was often used by sculptors creating great works of art, because it could make the finished pieces look like they had a very slight illuminated aura.

One important thing to note about onyx is that you have to be very careful when cleaning it. Onyx is a base in an acid base relationship, and as such any acidic substance or cleanser that comes in contact with it will cause a chemical reaction, resulting in the stone discoloring. The best way to clean onyx is with just warm water and a soft cloth.

Finally, being an illuminated object, onyx lamps are likely to stand out, so you may want to consider the colors in the space when deciding where to place it. The glow of the stone will shine out even in the dark, so you should try and make sure that wherever you put the piece, it flows with the nature of the rest of the room.