Dezeen promotion: Italian ceramic tile manufacturer Ariostea has released a collection of tiles that mimic the iridescent quality of precious onyx stones.

The collection, called Ultra Onici, was born from a desire to combine the unique beauty of onyx with the high-quality technical performance and versatility of porcelain ceramics.

While onyx is typically black, Ariostea's Ultra Onici porcelain tiles take cues from the lighter variety of the stone, which boasts more muted shades of grey, brown and green.

The collection aims to reimagine the age-old appearance of natural onyx by emulating the stone's deep, transparent veins.

With an "almost magical appeal", the large format tiles are available in eight different variations, offering a wide colour palette from iridescent shades of green and grey to warmer hues of beige, ivory and peach.

While the green and grey Onyx Vein Cut versions of the tile feature lots of veins in different colour variations, the Onice versions are more subtle and parred-back.

These eight versions also come in three finishes that interact with light differently, to provide an "unprecedented, subtle ambiance." These include Lucidato Shiny, Levigato Silk and Soft.

The new Ultra Onici range complements and expands the Ariostea collection, which has been part of the Iris Ceramica Group since 1988. It is one of the company's brands that focuses on technology and innovative materials.

For instance, in 2007 Ariostea launched a ceramic "wood" range that imitated the natural raw material without the need to cut down trees.

Measuring only six millimetres thick, the versatile Ariostea Ultra tiles can be laid on floors and walls, or alternatively can be applied to objects and furnishing accessories such as cabinets and tables.

According to the brand, the thinness of the material allows light to travel through the Onice Ultra slabs and backlight the material.

"The exceptionality of its luxury combines with the light weight of the large size in the minimum thickness to conquer an excellence in flooring and coverings of surfaces both large and small," said Iris Ceramica.

Both waterproof and hygienic, the high-performance material is suitable for various contract and residential uses. It is also resistant to abrasion, scratches and chemical products.

More information about Iris Ceramica's new Ultra Onici collection can be found on the company's website.