Onyx: areas of origin, materials and further reading.
Eight localities identified by Reza Molai for exploring Iranian onyx.
Salmas, West Azerbaijan, is among the areas identified for the onyx guide. The geographical name identifies the area; colour, pattern and selection need documentation for each material.
Individual quarry names, selections and photographs will be associated with materials of confirmed origin. The locality is not treated as the name of one single quarry.
Browse onyx in the catalogue ↗Ornamental onyx described by the USGS as “onyx marble” is a crystalline form of calcium carbonate deposited from aqueous solutions. It can display layering and translucency. A trade name should be accompanied by material identification.
Read article ↗An area can include several quarries and selections. A material enquiry should record locality, quarry and block number. Qorveh and Bijar, like Sirjan and Kerman, remain separate entries in this guide.
Read article ↗For a backlit project, prepare a sample at the proposed thickness and finish. View it under front lighting and with the light source selected for the project, recording the test conditions.
Read article ↗