Onyx vs. Granite Countertops: Which is Better for You? (Pros and Cons)

By
Kimberly Crawford
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Last Updated on June 7, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

There are many different types of countertops that you can choose from when renovating your kitchen. Two of the most popular choices are onyx and granite. Both have their pros and cons, so it can be difficult to decide which is the best option for you. In this blog post, we will compare onyx and granite countertops and help you decide which one is right for your home!

Onyx countertops.

What is an Onyx countertop?

Onyx is a type of semi-precious stone that is often used in countertops and other home decor items. It is known for its beautiful colors and patterns, as well as its durability. Onyx countertops can add a touch of luxury to any home, and they are easy to care for.

Pros of Onyx countertops:

Onyx is a unique and luxurious material that can add a touch of elegance to any home.

It is also one of the most durable countertop materials available, so it is perfect for busy families who need a surface that can withstand daily wear and tear.

Onyx is also heat-resistant, so it is ideal for homes with active kitchens.

If you are looking for a countertop material that is both beautiful and durable, onyx is the perfect choice for you.

Cons of Onyx countertops:

Onyx is a very soft stone, and as such, it is prone to scratches and chips. It’s also a bit more expensive than some other countertop materials. And because it’s so soft, it needs to be sealed fairly frequently – at least once a year – to prevent staining.

Granite countertops.

Pros of granite countertops:

Granite is a very popular material for countertops because it is durable, heat resistant, and scratch resistant. It is also easy to clean and maintain. Granite comes in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can find the perfect look for your kitchen or bathroom.

Cons of granite countertops:

Granite countertops are a popular choice for many homeowners, but there are some drawbacks to consider before making your decision. Here are a few of the cons of granite countertops:

Granite is a porous material, which means it can absorb liquids and stains. If not sealed properly, your countertop can become stained and difficult to clean.

Granite is a hard material, which means it can be difficult to cut and shape. This can make it challenging to install if you’re not experienced in working with granite.

Granite is a heavy material, so it’s important to make sure your cabinets are strong enough to support the weight of the countertop.

Granite is a costly material, so it’s important to factor in the price when making your decision.

Onyx countertops vs. granite countertops

Appearance.

Onyx countertops have a unique, veined appearance that can add drama and luxury to any kitchen. Granite countertops are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, making them a versatile option for any kitchen.

Onyx countertops are made from a type of sedimentary rock called onyx-marble. Onyx is a precious stone that has been used for centuries to make sculptures and jewelry. The onyx-marble is cut into thin slices and then polished to create a high-gloss finish.

Granite countertops are made from igneous rock, which is formed from cooled lava or magma. Granite is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it a versatile option for any kitchen. Granite is a durable material that is resistant to scratches and stains.

Color.

Onyx countertops come in many different colors, from white to black. Granite countertops are usually found in earth tones, like brown or tan.

Onyx countertops can be a great way to add some personality to your kitchen. They come in a wide range of colors, so you can really make your space your own. Granite countertops are more subdued, but they still have a lot of character.

Hardness.

Onyx is a very hard material, ranking a seven on the Mohs hardness scale. Granite typically rates a six or seven on the same scale. So, what does that mean for your kitchen countertop? First, let’s look at what the Mohs hardness scale is.

The Mohs hardness scale was created in 1812 by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs. It’s used to rank minerals on a scale from one (very soft) to ten (very hard). The ranking is based on the ability of one material to scratch another. So, a material with a Mohs hardness of seven should be able to scratch materials with a hardness of six and below, but not materials with a hardness of seven and above.

Now, let’s apply that to onyx and granite countertops. Onyx is harder than granite, so it will be more resistant to scratches and chips. However, both materials are quite hard, so you’re not likely to see any major damage unless you’re really putting your countertop through some tough treatment.

Cost.

It’s always at the forefront of our minds when making any type of purchase. And a countertop is no different. So, let’s compare the cost of onyx countertops vs. granite countertops.

Onyx countertops definitely come with a higher price tag than granite countertops. On average, you’re looking at about $100 per square foot for onyx, while granite countertops usually cost around $75 per square foot.

Composition.

Onyx is made of calcium carbonate while granite is made of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Onyx is denser than granite, meaning it can resist scratches better.

Onyx also has a high absorption rate, so it should be sealed before use. Granite is less likely to absorb liquids and doesn’t require sealing.

Seam Visibility.

Onyx countertops have the potential to show seams more than granite. If onyx is selected for your countertop, please be aware that the seams may be visible and you should discuss this with your fabricator prior to making your selection.

Durability.

Onyx is a soft stone and therefore not as durable as granite. It can scratch and chip easily, so it’s important to be careful with it. However, onyx is also heat resistant, so you don’t have to worry about hot pots and pans damaging the surface.

Granite, on the other hand, is much more durable. It’s a hard stone that is resistant to scratches and chips. It can also withstand high temperatures, so you can put hot pots and pans on it without worry.

Repairs And Replacements.

There are a few key things to keep in mind when it comes to repairs and replacements for onyx countertops versus granite countertops. First, onyx is much more fragile than granite and therefore needs to be handled with care.

It is also important to note that onyx is not heat resistant, so hot pans or pots should never be placed directly on the surface. If you do happen to crack or chip your onyx countertop, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible by a professional.

On the other hand, granite is a much more durable material and can withstand a bit more wear and tear. However, it is still susceptible to chipping and cracking, so it is important to be careful with it. If you do happen to damage your granite countertop, it can usually be repaired quite easily.

Maintenance.

It’s one of the key considerations when choosing a countertop material. So, how do onyx and granite compare?

Onyx is a bit more delicate than granite. It’s softer and more porous, so it can stain more easily. Granite, on the other hand, is much more durable. It’s less likely to scratch or chip, and it can withstand high temperatures.

So, which one is easier to maintain? That depends on your lifestyle and how you use your countertops. If you’re someone who likes to cook a lot or entertain often, granite might be the better choice. It’s more durable and less likely to show wear and tear. However, if you’re not as concerned about scratches and stains, onyx might be the better option. It’s easier to clean and maintain, and it can add a touch of luxury to your kitchen.

Heat Resistance.

Onyx countertops are heat resistant, making them ideal for hot pans and dishes straight from the oven. Granite countertops can also withstand heat, but may require a trivet or hot pad to protect the surface.

Scratch resistance.

Onyx is more resistant to scratches than granite. However, both surfaces can be scratched with a sharp object. If you are looking for a countertop that is less likely to scratch, onyx is the better choice.

Moisture Resistance.

Onyx countertops are more moisture resistant than granite countertops. This is because onyx is a non-porous material, meaning that it does not absorb water. Granite, on the other hand, is a porous material, which means that it absorbs water. This makes onyx a better choice for areas where there is a lot of moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Sealing Needs.

One of the most important considerations when choosing between onyx and granite countertops is the sealing needs. Onyx is a soft stone and therefore requires regular sealing, usually every six months to a year. Granite is a harder stone and only needs to be sealed once or twice a year.

Home Resale Value.

Onyx countertops have a higher resale value than granite countertops. This is because onyx is more rare and unique, so it tends to hold its value better. Granite is still a popular choice for many homeowners, but it doesn’t have the same resale value as onyx. If you’re looking to improve your home’s resale value, onyx countertops are a great option.

Installation.

The most important factor when deciding between onyx and granite countertops is installation. Onyx is a much softer stone than granite, so it requires more care during installation. It’s also a bit more expensive to install onyx countertops because of the extra care required. However, granite is a harder stone, so it’s less likely to chip or crack during installation. It’s also less expensive to install granite countertops because of the extra care required.

When it comes to installation, onyx countertops are more delicate but also more expensive. Granite countertops are less delicate but also less expensive. Ultimately, the decision between onyx and granite countertops comes down to a matter of personal preference.

Environmental Issues.

When it comes to choosing between onyx and granite countertops, the environmental impact is an important consideration. Onyx is a sedimentary rock that is mined from the earth. Granite is an igneous rock that forms when molten lava cools and hardens.

Onyx countertops are considered to be more environmentally friendly because they require less energy to mine and process. Granite countertops, on the other hand, require a great deal of energy to quarry and manufacture.

In terms of carbon footprint, onyx countertops are the clear winner. Onyx quarrying and processing releases far fewer greenhouse gases than granite countertops.

Onyx countertops vs. granite countertops: Final Verdict.

It’s been a long and hard-fought battle, but we’ve finally reached a verdict on the great countertop debate. After months of research, interviews with experts, and hours spent poring over data, we can say with confidence that onyx countertops are the clear winner.

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FAQs

Is onyx a good countertop material?

Onyx is a beautiful natural stone that can add elegance and luxury to any home. It is also one of the most durable countertop materials available, making it a great choice for busy families or anyone who wants a low-maintenance kitchen.

However, onyx is not without its drawbacks. It is one of the more expensive countertop materials, and it can be difficult to find a qualified installer.

Is granite more expensive than onyx?

The answer to this question largely depends on the quality of the stone and where you are purchasing it from. Generally, granite is going to be more expensive than onyx. Onyx is a bit more delicate than granite, so it requires more care when handling and installing. If you are looking for a high-end look without the high-end price tag, onyx may be the way to go. However, if you are willing to pay a little extra for durability and a classic look, granite is the better option.