01 Natural stone comparison
A side-by-side comparison of Bubble Onyx and Calacatta Viola — origin, colour, finishes, applications and best use cases — to help architects and designers choose the right natural stone for their project.
Bubble Onyx is a translucent Turkish onyx defined by circular, orb-like mineral formations in ivory, cream, grey and beige. When backlit, the surface glows in honey, amber and gold. Available in polished and honed finishes, it is specified for backlit feature walls, luxury retail displays, hotel lobbies, stair details and bespoke furniture.
View Bubble Onyx ↗
Calacatta Viola Marble is a statement stone with a creamy white background cut by bold burgundy, plum and charcoal veining. Available in polished, honed and leathered finishes, it is specified for feature walls, bathroom vanities, reception counters, bespoke tables, kitchen islands and focal surfaces where stone is intended to lead the design.
View Calacatta Viola ↗02 Specification comparison
| Property | Bubble Onyx | Calacatta Viola |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Onyx | Marble |
| Origin | Türkiye | Italy |
| Colour | White | White / Violet |
| Tone | Bubble white | White & violet |
| Available finishes | Polished, Honed | Polished, Honed, Leathered |
| Available forms | Slab, Tile, Cut-to-size | Slab, Tile, Cut-to-size |
| Bookmatch | Available | Available |
| Applications | Backlit walls, Bar fronts, Feature panels, Spa interiors | Flooring, Wall cladding, Bathrooms, Countertops, Feature walls |
03 Which stone to choose
The project calls for a white onyx from Türkiye with 2 finish options (polished, honed) and bookmatch availability. Its character suits backlit walls, bar fronts, feature panels and pairs naturally with warm timber, metal and natural material palettes.
Explore Bubble Onyx ↗The project calls for a white / violet marble from Italy with 3 finish options (polished, honed, leathered) and bookmatch availability. Its character suits flooring, wall cladding, bathrooms and pairs naturally with warm timber, metal and natural material palettes.
Explore Calacatta Viola ↗Both Bubble Onyx and Calacatta Viola are available as slabs, tiles and cut-to-size pieces from Terra Natural Stone. Request samples to compare the materials in person before specifying.
04 Frequently asked
Bubble Onyx is a white onyx from Türkiye with 2 finish options, while Calacatta Viola is a white / violet marble from Italy with 3 finish options. Bubble Onyx suits backlit walls and bar fronts; Calacatta Viola suits flooring and wall cladding.
Both can work for flooring. Bubble Onyx offers a bubble white character with polished, honed finishes. Calacatta Viola offers a white & violet character with polished, honed, leathered finishes. The choice depends on the project's colour palette, traffic expectations and whether a polished, honed or textured surface is preferred.
Bubble Onyx: bookmatch available. Calacatta Viola: bookmatch available. Bookmatching is most effective on feature walls and large surfaces where the mirrored vein pattern can be appreciated at scale.
Bubble Onyx is available in polished, honed. Calacatta Viola is available in polished, honed, leathered. Polishing intensifies colour and reflection; honing creates a softer matte surface; textured finishes add tactility and slip resistance.
Compare in person