What backlit stone actually means
Backlit stone is a thin slab or a carved form with a light source placed behind or beneath it. The light travels through the stone, so you see its natural veining, banding and colour glow from within. The effect depends on how translucent the stone is. A dense, opaque stone will simply look dark, however bright the light.
Which stones glow
- Onyx is the most translucent natural stone used in interiors. It glows in honey, amber, white and green tones, and is the classic choice for lit bathtubs, basins and feature walls.
- Quartzite: some pale, crystalline quartzites are translucent enough to glow when cut thin. Quartzite is much harder than onyx, so it is a good choice when you want the glow with extra resistance to scratches. Our Faceted Backlit Bathtub is made in Cristallo quartzite.
- Some marbles, especially pale ones, show a soft glow in thin cuts. The effect is gentler than onyx or the right quartzite, so look at a sample with a light behind it before you decide.
Onyx or quartzite: which should you choose?
Choose onyx for the deepest, most dramatic glow and the widest range of colours, in a space where it will be treated with care, such as a feature wall or a bathtub in a private bathroom. Choose quartzite when the piece will see heavy daily use and you want a harder stone, accepting that the glow is usually more subtle and the colour range narrower. Because both are natural, no two slabs light up the same way.
How the lighting is built in
The light is usually LED, fixed behind or beneath the stone, with a diffuser so the glow is even and you do not see individual bulbs. LEDs run cool, so they do not heat the stone the way older lamps would. The lights run from a low-voltage driver, which should sit outside wet areas and stay reachable, so a lamp or driver can be serviced without breaking the stone. Ask your electrician to follow your local electrical rules for bathrooms.
Choose the colour of the light
Warm white light, around 2700 to 3000K, brings out honey, amber and gold tones. A neutral white, around 4000K, keeps white and pale stones crisp. A dimmer lets you move between a bright, clear look and a soft evening glow. Plan the light and the stone together, because the same slab can look quite different under each.
Planning for moisture and safety
A bathroom is a wet room, so the light fittings must be rated for damp conditions and sealed properly. Keep the power supply and driver away from splashes, use a qualified electrician, and make sure there is access for maintenance. Seal the stone as well, because the light will show up stains and marks inside the stone.
Care and cleaning
Wipe lit stone with a soft cloth and a mild pH-neutral cleaner, and avoid acidic or abrasive products. Onyx is softer than quartzite, so treat it gently. Natural stone has fine cracks, veins and variations that show more when lit, which is part of its character. See the slab lit before you choose it if you can.
Make a backlit piece to your design
Avtikes makes backlit stone pieces to order in Udaipur, including bathtubs, basins and wall features. Tell us the stone you like, the size, and where the power supply will be, and we will advise on thickness, lighting and finish. See the bathroom collection, or request a quote.