When it comes to premium natural stones used in architecture and interior design, Travertine and Onyx stand out as luxurious choices. Each has its own charm, unique properties, and best-suited applications. Whether you’re planning a home renovation or designing a commercial space, understanding the difference between Travertine and Onyx stone can help you make a more informed decision.
In this blog post, brought to you by Rarity Marble, we’ll compare Travertine and Onyx in terms of formation, appearance, durability, maintenance, cost, and use cases to help you choose the perfect stone for your project.
What is Travertine Stone?
Travertine is a type of limestone formed by mineral deposits from natural springs, especially hot springs. It has been used since ancient Roman times in buildings, amphitheaters, and monuments.
- Origin: Sedimentary rock
- Appearance: Earthy tones such as beige, ivory, brown, gold, and rust
- Texture: Porous with natural pits and holes, often filled and polished
- Finish Options: Tumbled, brushed, honed, polished
What is Onyx Stone?
Onyx is a translucent, exotic stone formed from calcite deposits in caves and springs. It’s known for its stunning veining and dramatic color contrast.
- Origin: Crystalline stone, formed in caves
- Appearance: Vivid bands of color—green, white, yellow, orange, brown, red
- Texture: Smooth and rich, with high translucency
- Finish Options: Highly polished
Travertine vs Onyx: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Travertine | Onyx |
| Formation | Sedimentary rock | Crystalline stone |
| Durability | Medium (porous) | Low (fragile) |
| Translucency | Opaque | Highly translucent |
| Maintenance | Low to medium | High |
| Common Colors | Neutral and earthy | Bold and vibrant |
| Ideal For | Flooring, patios, bathrooms | Backlit walls, countertops, luxury accents |
| Price Range | Medium | High to premium |
| Scratch Resistance | Moderate | Low |
| Water Resistance | Requires sealing | Requires sealing and delicate care |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Travertine if:
- You want a timeless, classic look with earthy elegance.
- You’re renovating a bathroom, patio, or flooring area.
- You need a cost-effective stone with decent durability.
Choose Onyx if:
- You’re aiming for bold luxury and want a conversation piece.
- You want to incorporate backlighting in your design.
- You’re decorating a feature wall, bar counter, or reception desk.
Maintenance Tips
Travertine: Needs regular sealing and occasional polishing. Clean with pH-neutral products.
Onyx: Highly sensitive to acids and scratches. Needs sealing, soft cloth cleaning, and gentle handling.
Cost Comparison
- Travertine: ₹250 – ₹800 per sq. ft.
- Onyx: ₹1,000 – ₹3,000+ per sq. ft.
(Prices can vary based on grade, origin, and finish. Contact Rarity Marble for the best deals and imports.)
Popular Uses
Travertine Applications:
- Outdoor patios and walkways
- Bathroom walls and floors
- Pool decks
- Kitchen backsplashes
Onyx Applications:
- Bar countertops with backlight
- Bathroom vanities
- Wall claddings
- Accent tables and reception counters
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Travertine better than Onyx?
Not necessarily. Travertine is more durable and practical for high-traffic areas, whereas Onyx is preferred for luxurious aesthetics and low-traffic decorative features.
2. Can Onyx be used for kitchen countertops?
Yes, but with caution. Onyx is delicate and best used in low-use kitchens or as a decorative counter with proper care.
3. Does Travertine crack easily?
Travertine is porous and can crack if not properly sealed or maintained. However, it’s more durable than Onyx.
4. How often should I seal Onyx and Travertine?
Seal Travertine every 1–2 years; Onyx should be sealed more frequently due to its delicate nature—ideally every 6 months to a year.
Choose Luxury That Lasts with Rarity Marble
At Rarity Marble, we bring the finest selection of Travertine and Onyx stones imported from the best quarries around the world. Whether you’re a designer, architect, or homeowner, our curated collection ensures that you find the perfect stone that reflects your vision.
Visit RarityMarble.com or Contact us today for a free consultation and quote!
Call Now: +91-9470956831
Visit our showroom: Rarity Marble, Kishangarh, Delhi.
