REZA MOLAI SELECTION

Guide to Iranian materials

Onyx: areas of origin, materials and further reading.

Sample and light: preparing a comparison

Eight localities identified by Reza Molai for exploring Iranian onyx.

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.

Compare several locations and slabs from the batch. Record any resin, mesh or backing: sample presentation should match the intended product.

Appearance selection and performance verification are separate steps. Physical analyses must refer to identified samples; we do not assign average values to every quarry in an area.

Articles and further reading

Ornamental onyx: origin and structure

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.

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