The name onyx refers to two distinct types of rock: siliceous onyx, typically black with white banding, and calcareous onyx, also known as alabaster onyx, ranging from brown to pale green. Calcareous onyx is characteristically translucent, with varied banding in shades of brown and beige that give the material a diaphanous, precious quality. This transparency makes it particularly suited to decorative applications with backlighting.
