Orange Onyx
Orange Onyx is one of the most striking and beautiful marbles found in nature. There are very few mines of this unique stone globally, but Iran is fortunate to be one of the few countries where orange marble is extracted. This stone has garnered significant attention from architects, designers, and builders due to its special design and vibrant colors.
Characteristics of Orange Onyx
1. Color and Appearance:
- Background Color: Orange, similar to the color of an orange fruit.
- Veins and Halos: White, adding to the stone's aesthetic appeal.
- The presence of minerals such as aluminum, magnesium, and iron influences the stone's color. Higher iron oxide content results in a more intense orange hue.
2. Physical Properties:
- Structure: Similar to other marbles, with a strong and durable composition.
- Abrasion Resistance: Good, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
- Porosity: Relatively low, contributing to its density and good absorbency.
- Polished Surface: The stone's surface can be polished to a high sheen, creating a transparent and reflective finish.
- Light Transmission: One of its most remarkable features, allowing light to pass through and enhancing its luxurious appeal.
Processing
Orange Onyx is often processed into large sizes and slabs, and it is commonly cut in book-match and four-match designs, creating stunning visual patterns that enhance its aesthetic value.
Color Theme
- Primary Color: Orange
- Veins and Halos: White
Orange Onyx Quarries
Orange Onyx is rare, and significant deposits are located in Iran. The most important mines are in Razavi Khorasan province, near the holy city of Mashhad, and in North Khorasan, in the city of Bojnord.
Applications of Orange Onyx
Due to its luxurious and unique characteristics, orange Onyx is typically used in high-end projects. It is not cost-effective for ordinary buildings and is instead favored for prestigious applications:
1. Interior Design:
- Interior Facades: Enhances the aesthetic appeal of building interiors.
- Wall Cladding: Adds elegance to internal walls.
- Flooring: Ideal for high-end interior spaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and luxury sanitary ware.
- Corridors and Staircases: Provides a sophisticated look.
2. Luxury Buildings:
- Lobby and Entrance Flooring: Creates an impressive first impression.
- Decoration: Used in various decorative elements.
- Stepping Stones: Adds a touch of luxury to pathways.
- Cabinets and Counters: Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Commercial and Office Buildings: Enhances the appearance of high-end commercial spaces and exhibitions.
3. Special Features:
- Lavatory Stone: Adds elegance to washrooms.
- TV Room and Decorative Walls: Enhances the aesthetics of living spaces.
- Sculpting: Suitable for creating intricate sculptures and decorative items.
- Tables and More: Used in the creation of luxurious furniture pieces.
Pricing
The price of Orange Onyx is influenced by various factors, including its rarity, light transmission properties, design, color, background uniformity, dimensions, thickness, and quality of processing. Although orange marble is expensive, it is generally priced lower than foreign varieties like Italian orange marble due to its relatively lower quality and aesthetic appeal.
Advantages of Orange Onyx
- Unique Orange Color: Distinct and eye-catching.
- Beautiful Designs: Enhanced in book-match and four-match sizes.
- Light Transmission: Adds to its luxurious appeal.
- High Strength and Resistance: Durable and robust.
- Low Porosity: Reduces water absorption.
- Polished Surface: Achieves a high gloss finish.
- Large Sizes: Available in various slab sizes for versatile use.
Disadvantages of Orange Onyx
- High Cost: Expensive due to its rarity and luxurious features.
- Lower Quality Compared to Other Onyx: Less durable than some other high-end marbles.
- Scratch and Impact Sensitivity: Not resistant to scratches and shocks.
- Sunlight Fading: Color may fade over time when exposed to sunlight.
In summary, orange Onyx is a luxurious and beautiful stone with unique features that make it ideal for high-end interior applications. Its vibrant color, combined with its ability to transmit light, creates a stunning visual effect, making it a prized choice for luxury projects. However, its high cost and sensitivity to environmental factors limit its use to specific applications where its beauty can be preserved and appreciated.