Sphere - Onyx (Mexican) - Black/White
SKU:
ITEM# SPHERE-Onyx-0002
$400.00
$300.00
$300.00
Tehuacan, Mexico
ITEM# SPHERE-Onyx-0002
This Mexican onyx sphere measures approximately 7 3/4 inches in diameter and comes from Tehuacan, Mexico.
The term Mexican onyx is misleading because it is actually a variety of calcium carbonate formed as travertine or tufa with the impurities causing it to exhibit beautiful color banding (onyx marble). Mexican onyx is used extensively for building materials and for ornamental purposes. It is not the same onyx as the quartz variety of onyx which is a little more precious (it is used in jewelry) and is banded white and black. To avoid confusion it is best to refer to it as Mexican Onyx. Mexican onyx is banded with multiple orange, yellow, red, tan, brown and white colors that have marble-like texture. The carvings are quite attractive and affordable; a rare combination.
It is in the San Antonio Texcala mining area, situated about 10 kilometers southwest of Tehuacan, Mexico, where this material has been mined for more than 100 years. The travertine in the San Antonio Texcala mining district originated from hydrothermal activity related to the Transmexican Volcanic Belt. Travertine formed where warm waters emerged from young seismic fissures and faults. Several generations of travertine formation can be seen within the open excavation pits.
ITEM# SPHERE-Onyx-0002
This Mexican onyx sphere measures approximately 7 3/4 inches in diameter and comes from Tehuacan, Mexico.
The term Mexican onyx is misleading because it is actually a variety of calcium carbonate formed as travertine or tufa with the impurities causing it to exhibit beautiful color banding (onyx marble). Mexican onyx is used extensively for building materials and for ornamental purposes. It is not the same onyx as the quartz variety of onyx which is a little more precious (it is used in jewelry) and is banded white and black. To avoid confusion it is best to refer to it as Mexican Onyx. Mexican onyx is banded with multiple orange, yellow, red, tan, brown and white colors that have marble-like texture. The carvings are quite attractive and affordable; a rare combination.
It is in the San Antonio Texcala mining area, situated about 10 kilometers southwest of Tehuacan, Mexico, where this material has been mined for more than 100 years. The travertine in the San Antonio Texcala mining district originated from hydrothermal activity related to the Transmexican Volcanic Belt. Travertine formed where warm waters emerged from young seismic fissures and faults. Several generations of travertine formation can be seen within the open excavation pits.