Onyx mines are generally open-pit excavations on the slopes of the mountains where the deposits are exploited so that they are literally 'eating' the mountain, either through special cutting techniques or use of explosives.

The processes of extracting onyx may vary depending on the shape of the grain and the available infrastructure in place, in the case of very large banks, diamond wire is used for the extraction of blocks up to 20 tonnes, there are also more primitive techniques , almost unused, based on mechanical processes and explosives that only allow the extraction of smaller blocks of up to two tons.

In the case of removal of the rock, it is essential to know the geological conditions of the quarries, reserves, size, fractures, quality, types and colors, this, in order to justify the investment.

Extraction by the irrational use of explosives can damage the mines itself and its surroundings and is less efficient, while the use of appropriate techniques (diamond wire, drilling, etc.) Can be obtained with higher yields, this is the stage of product which largely determines its quality and therefore its price.

At the cutting stage, rolling and polishing, it is also advisable the use of high end technology to reduce costs, waste time and also assures greater uniformity in the finished.