Algeria · Onyx
also known as Algerian Onyx, Onyx du Maghreb, African Onyx
A warm honey-amber banded onyx quarried from several deposits in the Algerian Atlas mountains. Like all onyxes, it is a microcrystalline calcite with translucent properties when cut to 20 mm or less — enabling dramatic backlit feature walls, bar counters and luxury reception surfaces. Algeria has been a source of onyx since antiquity: the 'onyx marble' prized by Roman builders for inlaid panels was partly sourced from North African deposits. Colour range from pale honey to deep amber-brown with white banding.
Type-level physical facts shown. Per-lot lab values (absorption, flexural strength) confirmed at quotation.
Yes — at thicknesses of 15–20 mm, the translucent crystalline structure allows LED backlighting to pass through, creating a luminous amber-gold effect. This is the primary luxury application for onyx in contemporary hotel and residential interiors.
Onyx is softer than marble (Mohs 3–4) and more susceptible to scratching and etching. It is best suited to vertical applications, decorative countertops with minimal acid exposure, and feature walls — not high-traffic floors.