Onyx: areas of origin, materials and further reading.
Sirjan
Eight localities identified by Reza Molai for exploring Iranian onyx.
Reza Molai Selection ·
Area and origin
Sirjan has its own profile within Kerman province. To keep provenance clear, materials identified as Sirjan are not automatically grouped under the Kerman name alone.
Locality
Sirjan
Province / area
Kerman
Family
Ornamental onyx
Quarries and materials in this area
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.
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.
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.
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.