Amber Onyx is a unique form of calcite mined at high elevation exclusively in the Uintah mountains of Utah. It replaces traditional architectural stone like granite and marble for counter tops, floor, wall and bath tiles. Amber Onyx is used for art, for interior decorative veneers, as light fixture material, for water fountains and more. Amber Onyx can be carved and cut into various sizes and shapes—spheres, large and small slabs, polished pieces and artistic shapes.
Amber Onyx exhibits characteristics similar to those of other onyx, but provides a unique and colorful substitute for architectural applications, counter tops and tiles, stone art and sculpture. Amber Onyx also forms as a type of marble, defined as a calcitic-metamorphic rock.
Amber Onyx is formed by the growth of long fibrous, tubular crystal cells of honey-yellow calcite, surrounded by white membranes which define the cell boundary. These cells grow in needle-like bundles, adding to the strength and stability of the stone, which allows larger pieces to be mined and processed than less exotic forms of onyx.
Pattern changes in Amber Onyx depend upon point of origin and on the rate and type of cell growth. Patterns range from tight, small hexagonal cells grouped closely together to large cell areas in which cells are at maximum growth and in which minimal cell walls appear.
Variations of Amber Onyx that differentiate it from other calcite include unique calcite crystal patterns and color, varying degrees of translucency and transparency, the ability to accept various degrees of polish, including high polish, and it's resistance to fading from exposure to sunlight.
The varying color of Amber Onyx derives from the level of iron and sulphur deposits at time of formation and from the thickness of the stone. Typical variations in color include a deep rich honey amber, yellowish-orange, a soft, pale—like sunlight—lemon amber, golden amber or, in rare instances, a pale white-yellow.
In 1995, a 36-carat emerald crystal was discovered in Northern Utah. During this exploration, nearby calcite deposits known to accompany emerald deposits were likewise discovered and found to be unique and beautiful.
The decision was made to pursue mining the calcite with the expectation that it would provide a substantial and immediate search for emeralds. Shamrock Mining Associates gained exclusive mining rights to this unique and beautiful semi-precious stone, named Amber Onyx (also known as Honeycomb calcite or Honey Onyx).
Summer 1997 marked the beginning of substantial mining and exploration operations. Early exploration conducted on the seven mining claims owned by Shamrock indicated proven reserves of 363,280 tons and probable reserves of 1,636,400 tons. Over the following seven years, Shamrock filed 15 additional claims. No drilling has been conducted on these claims, but it is likely that surface outcrops of calcite present in the central area of the claim-block extend onto additional claims in the shallow subsurface.
©2008 Shamrock Mining Associates