It's not hazing. Those tiles don't appear to have any hazing on them at all. What it most likely is is that the light source is no longer present behind the tiles when you look at them. Onyx is translucent, and that's why it has that "glow". When you place the tiles against a solid surface and fill in the edges with grout, you're not getting any light transmission from the back and edges anymore. They can appear to be almost completely different in appearance than they were before they were installed. It's completely normal. A sample board would have shown you this if you had your tiler prepare one. It's disappointing, but there's nothing that can be done.

Thank You GreenDesigns, it helps. Stay Calm and Carry On.
It is not the end of the world, just disappointing it looks different.

Not sure how to link just my response, so i just copied and pasted. I posted a warning on your original question back in June because I didn't want someone to go through what I did (which is currently what you are going through).

"RE: Anyone have honey onyx in backsplash?

Posted by kayl (My Page) on
Tue, Jun 21, 11 at 23:23

I have white onyx, not honey. As long as you understand that onyx looks very different once sealed and grouted then I say go for it. I've had not problems with staining etc. and I prep right by mine. Best of luck!"

I bought my white onyx online and NO ONE mentioned that this tile does change color significantly for the very reason GreenDesigns states above. Even my tiler didn't mention as he said "I assumed you knew!" I was SO upset as it didn't look like what I was expecting, however I have grown to love the grouted look. It is more subtle and onyx gives a very rich look. Give it some time. I promise it will grow on you!!!!

After I read Kayl's response, I went back and looked at your installation, and she's right, the look grows on you. The onyx looks rich and historic grouted. Best to you.

Green Design's answer is spot on - I'm surprised though, that the folks that did their research did not find any "translucent grouts" that have hit the market over the last couple of years...

I used to do tile, but have since focused primarily on slab applications - hence my not looking at this thread until now - I would have chimed in earlier... Sorry for the late response

I know that this may not help the folks LRy511, but for everyone else that has not grouted their onyx or glass tiles yet - you CAN get some of the "glow" if you use a translucent joint filler/grout..... Take a look at Starquartz - they are made by Bostik/Upco - who makes Hydroment - which is what I used to use exclusively when I did do tile all the time...

Hopefully my brother Bill Vincent will chime in on this thread too - he is TOTALLY dialed in on to what's happening in the Tile Industry these days - WAY MORE than me..... and maybe Bill can offer some great insight on this topic too

hth

kevin

Here is a link that might be useful: Starquartz Website

fwiw, try shining intense light onto the onyx.

Thanks for the responses. No one ever mentioned translucent grout. :)
But FWIW, initially I was disappointed but having lived with it for two days it has grown on me. My kitchen Reno will be finished this week and after 3 long months I am ready to start cooking and living in this space. I will smile every time I look at my onyx.

That's great LRy511!