Onyx Lemon (also Lemon Onyx, Salsali Lemon Onyx, Turhal Lemon Onyx or Iran Yellow Onyx) is a calcite onyx with a warm lemon-yellow to honey-amber translucent overall effect and dramatic warm rust-brown accent bands and widenings. Available from Iranian (Salsali) and Turkish (Turhal) quarries — highly translucent, the first choice for backlit wall claddings, feature walls, bar counter fronts, counter back walls and prestige decorative interior architecture with a warm lemon-yellow, honey-coloured light atmosphere.
Onyx Lemon is an internationally established trade name for a family of warm lemon-yellow, honey-gold calcite onyx varieties that come from two main supplying regions: the Iranian Salsali quarry (Salsali Lemon Onyx) and the Turkish onyx districts near Turhal (Turhal Lemon Onyx). Both supplying regions produce onyx variants with the characteristic lemon-yellow, honey-gold tonality that has earned the material its marketing name. In the international stone trade the designation “Lemon Onyx” is used in parallel in both markets, which is owed to the family relationship of the tonality. The parallel designations Onyx Lemon, Lemon Onyx, Onice Lemon, Salsali Lemon Onyx, Turhal Lemon Onyx, Persian Lemon Onyx and Iran Yellow Onyx denote, depending on the supplier, either the Iranian or the Turkish version, or are used as a collective name for the whole family.
Geologically, Onyx Lemon is, like all onyx varieties, a chemical sedimentary stone that formed through the slow precipitation of calcium carbonate from supersaturated lime-bearing spring or cave waters. This layer-by-layer formation explains the characteristic banded structure of onyx and its high translucency. The warm lemon-yellow to honey-gold tonality results from iron-oxide mineral components in a particularly balanced concentration — unlike the intensely golden-yellow onyx versions (Onyx Sultan, Onyx Vaniglia), Onyx Lemon shows a subtle green-yellow undertone that lends the stone its lemon-like appearance. The strong rust to copper-brown accent bands and concentric widenings arise through locally enriched iron oxide components that were embedded in specific layers during the original formation of the onyx.
Visually, Onyx Lemon is marked by an exceptionally elegant, almost watercolour-like material signature. Across a warm lemon-yellow, honey-coloured base shade, strong movement veins spread out in rust, copper and caramel-brown tones, interspersed with concentric growth patterns and occasional whitish cream lightenings. The layering structure typical of onyx is clearly recognisable — circular to oval growth patterns in which former dripstone constellations show through produce almost ornamental, almost mandala-like slab appearances. With directional laying, a flowing, organic large surface emerges; with bookmatch laying — mirror-image laying of adjacent slabs — particularly impressive symmetrical large-scale patterns emerge that are often perceived as butterfly or mandala compositions.
The outstanding property of Onyx Lemon is its translucency — the ability to let light shine through the material. Backlit, the stone shows an exceptionally warm, almost golden-yellow glowing inner fire in which the vein markings appear like frozen movements — an effect that immerses rooms in a sunny, warm, almost Mediterranean atmosphere. Under backlighting, the lemon-yellow, honey-coloured tonality creates a particularly warm, inviting lighting effect that conveys warmth and well-being in bars, restaurants, lounges, spa areas and exclusive living spaces.
Technically, Onyx Lemon is a comparatively soft and sensitive material — markedly softer than marble, with high acid sensitivity, low abrasion resistance and limited load-bearing capability. Typical values can be derived from the available data sheets: bulk density 2680 to 2740 kg/m³, compressive strength 80 to 120 MPa, flexural strength 8 to 12 MPa, water absorption 0.2 to 0.36 % (variable depending on the supplying region). Like all carbonate rocks, Onyx Lemon is acid-sensitive and reacts to citric acid, vinegar or acidic cleaners with matt etching. Fabrication is traditionally carried out in thicknesses of 2 cm, frequently also in thinner gauges of 1 cm to 1.5 cm for backlit applications.
In interior fit-out, Onyx Lemon is primarily a decorative statement material for the highest design demands where a warm golden-yellow atmosphere is wanted. Classic applications are backlit wall claddings in hotel lobbies, restaurants and bars; bar counters and counter fronts with backlighting; vanity top upstands and illuminated mirror surfaces in luxurious bathrooms; decorative column claddings; free-standing wall panels with lighting effects; table and console tops; lampshades. Use as a floor tile is not to be recommended in heavily frequented areas. The warm lemon-yellow, honey-coloured tonality of Onyx Lemon harmonises particularly with dark brown timber fittings in walnut, mahogany or oak, with brass, bronze and gold accents, with restrained black and with muted earth tones — a stone for classical, oriental, lifestyle-oriented and warmly luxurious interior architecture.
In stock
Current availability from our warehouse.
1 slab in stock · plus 1 block
Thicknesses: 2 cm · Finishes: Polished · Available as: Slabs
Onyx Lemon is available in a range of finishes. The finish affects appearance, feel and the care it needs.
Polished
Polishing is the preferred finish for onyx — the mirror-smooth surface brings out the material's varied colour character in full. The highest possible colour intensity and deep light reflection. Onyx is acid-sensitive and softer against scratches than marble — recommended for wall cladding and designed visible surfaces, less so for worktops.
Care & fabrication
Onyx Lemon is a sensitive decorative material and requires careful attention. Because of its carbonate composition the stone is acid-sensitive — acidic foods such as lemon juice, vinegar, wine, cola and fruit juices, as well as acidic cleaners, cause matt etch marks even on brief contact. For daily cleaning use only warm water with a pH-neutral stone cleaning product; aggressive household cleaners, abrasive sponges or microfibre cloths with an abrasive action are absolutely to be avoided. Take up spilt acidic liquids immediately with clear water. A professional sealer after laying, and then every 1 to 2 years, is strongly recommended — it reduces the take-up of pigments (red wine, coffee, olive oil) and protects the polished surface against water droplet rings. For backlit wall claddings the care requirement is low — occasional dusting and careful wiping with a damp cloth is sufficient. On vanity tops and bar counters, gentle cleaning products and the immediate taking-up of all soiling should absolutely be standard.
Frequently asked questions
What does the designation “Lemon Onyx” mean?
“Lemon” refers to the characteristically warm lemon-yellow, honey-coloured base tone of the stone, which shows a subtle green-yellow undertone — unlike the intensely golden-yellow onyx versions (Onyx Sultan, Onyx Vaniglia), Onyx Lemon has a lemon-like tonality that has earned the material its marketing name. The designation is used in the international stone trade in parallel for Iranian (Salsali) and Turkish (Turhal) onyx variants with this tonality.
Which regions does Lemon Onyx come from?
Lemon Onyx is sourced from two main supplying regions: the Iranian Salsali quarry (Salsali Lemon Onyx, also Persian Lemon Onyx) and the Turkish onyx districts near Turhal (Turhal Lemon Onyx). Both supplying regions produce onyx variants with the characteristic lemon-yellow, honey-coloured tonality — the visual appearance and the material properties are essentially comparable. When ordering a specific delivery, the exact designation of origin is important where there are particular requirements.
What distinguishes Onyx Lemon from other warm onyx versions?
Onyx Lemon, Onyx Sultan and Onyx Vaniglia are all warm-toned onyx varieties, but differ in colour intensity and character. Onyx Lemon shows a lemon-yellow tonality with subtle green-yellow undertones — lighter and cooler than Sultan, with stronger rust-brown accents than Vaniglia. Onyx Sultan is intensely golden yellow with dramatic copper-brown bands. Onyx Vaniglia is a warm creamy vanilla, the lightest and gentlest of the three. The choice is a design decision about the desired level of warmth and intensity.
Can Onyx Lemon be backlit?
Yes — the backlit application is one of the best-known and visually most impressive uses. The crystalline layered structure of the stone lets light pass through the material in a warm golden-yellow glow and makes the vein markings particularly impressively visible. Under backlighting, the lemon-yellow, honey-coloured tonality of Onyx Lemon creates a sunny, warm, almost Mediterranean lighting atmosphere that is particularly effective in bars, restaurants, lounges and spa areas. For backlit laying, thinner slab gauges (1 to 1.5 cm) are mostly chosen.
Is Onyx Lemon suitable for floor surfaces?
Not in heavily frequented areas. Onyx is a comparatively soft and acid-sensitive material and develops visible traces under intensive foot traffic. In prestige areas with moderate frequency such as private living rooms or exclusive salons, use as a floor tile is possible. For entrance halls, restaurants or other heavily frequented areas, denser hard rocks such as marble, quartzite or granite are the suitable choice.
Is Onyx Lemon suitable for kitchen worktops?
Only with reservations. The acid sensitivity to lemon juice, vinegar, wine and cola as well as the lower hardness compared with marble and granite make Onyx Lemon less than ideal for family kitchens with a claim to robustness. In very carefully kept design kitchens in which the appreciation of the material is explicitly based on the naturally ageing character of an onyx, use as a statement island or decorative counter front is possible; for intensive everyday loading, granite, quartzite or an engineered quartz material is advisable.
What does Onyx Lemon cost?
The price depends on the batch, thickness, surface finish and fabrication — with natural stone there is no serious flat rate per square metre. Business customers see prices once their B2B account is activated; private customers receive a complete quote through a fabricator near them.
