Onyx, a microcrystalline stone that forms through

gradual sedimentation of calcium carbonate, occurs

throughout the world in a wide array of colours.

Its name comes from Greek and means “claw” or

“fingernail”, a reference to the gemstone’s distinctive

translucence.

The onyx used to make the plates for Macaron is

mined in Italy at two quarries – one near Rome, the

other in Tuscany – the histories of which go back many

centuries; the Etruscans used this onyx to adorn the

graves of their deceased, and the Romans incorporated

it into many of their churches and palaces. During the

Middle Ages, onyx fell into obsolescence, only regaining

popularity over the course of the last two centuries. Its

noble characteristics make it an ideal material in the

production of lighting, luxury interior furnishings, and

jewellery.

The story of a product made with onyx begins in the

quarry, where the hardest blocks of the raw gemstone

are unearthed and extracted. These are then broken

into smaller blocks, and eventually the onyx is cut using

advanced technologies, such as milling machines,

waterjet cutting machines, and lasers. Finally, the stone

makes its way into the hands of skilled experts who

understand its properties and know exactly how much

force can be applied in finishing it.

The potential of millennia-old onyx lies in the

singularity and complexity of its composition, its

diversity of colours, and, namely, its ability to conduct

light. These virtues in combination with precision

processing make onyx a true emissary of emotion.

ONYX

white — unlit

ONYX

honey — unlit

ONYX

white — lit

ONYX

honey — lit

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N

Y

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