Three stones dominate handmade decor: soapstone, onyx, and travertine. They look similar in photos and couldn't be more different in person. Here's what each one actually is, and how to live with it.
Soapstone: the soft, warm one
Soapstone is a dense, smooth stone that feels almost soapy to the touch - that's where the name comes from. It carves beautifully, which is why makers use it for sculptural objects: candelabras, puzzles, small figures. Our Wavy Soapstone Candelabra is hand-carved from Andean soapstone in Peru, and soapstone is one of the stones in the Tangram Puzzle.
Key facts: it's non-porous (spills wipe off), it darkens slightly with handling over the years (most people love the patina), and it's softer than granite, so it can scratch - scratches buff out with a little mineral oil on a cloth.
Onyx: the dramatic one
Onyx is a banded stone with natural layers of color - cream, amber, rust - formed in caves over thousands of years. Its party trick: it's translucent. Put an onyx object near a window or a lamp and light passes through the bands. No two pieces have the same pattern. The Burr Star Puzzle is cut from creamy onyx and green serpentine, so the bands run differently on every piece.
Key facts: onyx is calcite-based, which means acid is its enemy - keep citrus and vinegar away, and wipe wine spills quickly. Dust with a soft dry cloth; no chemical sprays.
Travertine: the architectural one
Travertine is the stone of Roman buildings - a form of limestone with natural pits and channels across its surface. Those tiny holes are its signature, not a defect. It reads as instant architecture: a travertine tray or pedestal makes whatever sits on it look curated. We don't carry travertine pieces right now, but it's worth knowing how it differs from the other two.
Key facts: it's porous, so coasters matter on travertine surfaces; seal once a year with a stone sealer if it sees heavy use; clean with water and a drop of mild soap only.
Caring for all three
The shared rules are simple: no acidic cleaners, no soaking, no dishwasher. Stone objects want a dry cloth and an occasional drop of mild soap. Treat them that way and they outlast everything else on the shelf.
For ways to place stone pieces around a living room, see our coffee table decor ideas.
Soapstone vs onyx vs travertine at a glance
- Feel: soapstone is smooth and slightly soft; onyx is glassy and cool; travertine is matte with tiny pits.
- Look: soapstone is solid and muted; onyx is banded and lets light through; travertine is warm beige with natural holes.
- Weak spot: soapstone scratches; onyx etches from acid; travertine stains if left unsealed.
- Best for: soapstone for carved objects you handle; onyx for pieces near light; travertine for trays and bases.
Where our stone pieces come from
Our stone objects are cut and carved by a design studio in Peru that works with artisan communities across the Andes. Besides the pieces above, the Stackable Candelabra is three interlocking triangles, each a different stone. See them all in the decor collection, and for setting them up at night, read how to set a slow evening.
Frequently asked questions
Is onyx the same as marble?
No, but they are related. The onyx used in decor is usually a banded calcite stone, so like marble it is sensitive to acids. Onyx is more translucent and has bolder bands of color.
Does soapstone scratch easily?
It is softer than most stones, so it can scratch, but light scratches buff out with a little mineral oil on a soft cloth. Many people like the patina it develops over time.
Can stone decor get wet?
A quick wipe with water is fine for all three. Don't soak them, and dry them right away. Keep acidic cleaners, citrus and vinegar off onyx and travertine.
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