Deluxe Golden Apricot Marble Aggregate
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Calcite
Other Name(s):
Onyx chippings, apricot marble chippings, onyx pebbles, onyx aggregate
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Onyx gravel, also known as onyx chippings, is an premium and hard-wearing decorative aggregate known for its distinctive appearance and versatility in outdoor design. Featuring a spectacular gold colour with shade variations consisting of beige and apricot stones. Possessing naturally-occurring sparkle and marbling, these stones are a luxurious addition to any outdoor space.
This is a comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about onyx gravel, a hardscape and construction aggregate. It details the product's specifications, accompanied by photographs, and outlines its benefits, applications, and incompatibilities as a landscaping material. Additionally, this entry serves as a gateway to a wealth of DIY resources, with a list of comparable alternatives, articles offering design inspiration and fundamental principles, and a collection of straightforward, step-by-step instructions for constructing your own hardscaping features.
Onyx Gravel Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marble | 14-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Alkaline |
Material
Metamorphic rock
Colour
Buff, gold and apricot deepening in colour when wet.
Shape
Angular
Size Range
10-20mm (0.4-0.8")
Onyx gravel 20mm
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play surfaces
Price
High
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
No
Eco-friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Alkaline
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates like onyx gravel offer numerous benefits in garden and landscape design. They provide low-maintenance solutions, enhance a garden's appeal with their colours and textures and offer practical benefits like weed suppression and drainage improvement.
Onyx gravel is a highly decorative stone that has subtle sparkles when wet and will contrast beautifully with paving and other aggregates. It specifically adds an elegant, sophisticated look to any landscaping design. Its light colour contrasts beautifully with surrounding greenery and other aggregates, creating a visually striking effect. Onyx gravel also has subtle sparkles when wet, adding an extra dimension to decorative applications.
Applications
Onyx gravel is versatile, suited for applications such as garden paths and driveways, as an accent or feature in decorative borders, and as a pot plant topper. Its attractive angular shape and unique colouration make it a highly decorative stone, ideal for contrasting with darker-coloured aggregates or surrounding greenery. Any ground cover laid with onyx chippings will add light to any space due to its warm, reflective appearance.
In the following section, we list many common onyx gravel uses. Wherever there is a hyperlink beside an item, an article from Outdoor Aggregates about the topic is available.
Inspiration and Informational Articles
DIY-Friendly How-To Guides
Other Applications
Some other excellent applications for onyx gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that onyx gravel may not be suitable for:
- 1Aquascaping due to the effect of the stone's alkalinity on the water pH.
- 2Erosion control: On steep slopes or areas with significant inclines, the loose nature of the gravel can make it prone to movement which can be problematic on slopes. A gravel grid should be in place as a minimum.
- 3Play surfaces
Similar Alternatives to Onyx Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to onyx gravel. They may offer you a more suitable variation on the primary colour, a more economical option, or a close substitute for cases where the base material may be unsuitable for the project you are creating, e.g. limestone is not fish-friendly, where slate is.
Name | Colours | Material | Size | Shape | Availability | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Red sandstone pebbles | warm red | Sandstone | 10-50mm (0.4-2") | rounded | UK, USA, | |
pink, white, grey | 3-20mm (0.1-0.8") | Angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
buff, cream | 6-20mm (0.025-8") | Angular | UK, USA | |||
white, buff | Marble | 3-20mm (0.1-0.8") | Angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
white, pink, yellow | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | Rounded | UK, USA, EU | |||
apricot, white | Quartzite | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | Angular | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
Onyx gravel are generally low maintenance, especially when a heavy duty membrane is installed underneath to suppress weeds, with most work limited to raking and the occasional removal of debris. It is recommended to occasionally power wash the product in order to maintain its original colour and prevent the buildup of algae or moss. Natural quarry materials may also have dust which should be washed off with water during installation. For areas with heavy foot traffic, such as paths or footpaths, replenishing the chippings may be necessary over time to maintain depth and coverage.
For more on how to clean gravel, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
When purchasing onyx gravel, consider the size options and quantity necessary for your project. Where available, it is cost-effective to request a sample to assess the stone's colour and quality against your design requirements. Our gravel calculator will give you a quick and unbiased estimate for your project needs just by taking a few measurements of the space. It is one of the best and easiest ways to order the right amount and helps avoid shortfalls or over-spending.
Purchasing a onyx gravel 20mm bulk bag or ordering in loose loads can offer better value than purchasing in smaller quantities. Therefore, calculating accurately can save both time and money. It is also important to consider the delivery aspects, including vehicle access to the site. Additionally, you should check stock availability and factor in VAT and transportation costs if applicable.
FAQs
Is onyx gravel suitable for driveways?
Yes, especially when combined with a stabilising grid for less weight and added durability.
Can onyx chippings be used in aquariums?
No, due to the effect of the stone's alkalinity on the water pH.