What is artificial stone? What is synthetic stone? And how many types are there in total?

Engineered stone, also known as artificial stone or synthetic stone, was first introduced to the market in the 1960s. It consists of fragments of marble, quartzite, and granite mixed with polymers and resins or cement to create a realistic-looking synthetic stone. The color, pattern, and density of each individual slab can be customized. While commonly made in white and black, other colors such as blue, cream, red, gray, green, and pastel shades are also available.

With advancements in technology, synthetic stone has been developed to be strong, durable, and lightweight, yet less expensive than natural stone. It comes in a wide variety of styles and is widely popular in the market

In this article, Siamtak will introduce the various types of artificial and synthetic stones we sell in our store, as these are the stones we have the most information on. There are four main types: 1. Synthetic Quartz, 2. Artificial Marble, 3. Crystal Composite, and 4. Terrazzo 

Synthetic quartz stone

Natural quartz is rarely found in the form of thick, large blocks. Due to its small size, it's not suitable for installation in large areas

Therefore, it is popularly processed into synthetic stone in a ratio of 90% - 94% quartz mixed with 6% - 10% resin and synthetic coloring. This results in a satisfactory product that is lightweight, durable, and allows for customizable colors and patterns

With its durability, scratch resistance, ease of cleaning, and lower porosity compared to natural stone, synthetic quartz is a comparable alternative to natural stone and is popularly used for kitchen countertops because it doesn't get scratched easily and doesn't accumulate bacteria

However, installation in areas exposed to temperatures exceeding 150 degrees Celsius can cause damage, as synthetic quartz contains resins and polymers. Therefore, using a hot pad is important to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the stone in the installed area

Artificial marble

Artificial marble comes in a wide variety of styles and is less expensive than natural marble, yet it can still provide the same aesthetic appeal. It consists of 75%-90% marble fragments and 10%-24% resin, polymer, and synthetic pigments to achieve patterns and colors that closely resemble natural marble

Artificial marble can offer realistic patterns at a lower price. However, its lower strength and relatively high water absorption rate limit its applications. Indoor installation is more suitable than outdoor installation where it will be exposed to sun and rain, as the resin and polymer composition is not heat-resistant and has a high water absorption rate, making it unsuitable for outdoor use

Composite crystal stone

Crystal Composite Stone is composed of quartz, glass, and silica. This makes it a non-porous, waterproof, and bacteria-resistant synthetic stone that is scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Furthermore, it has a long lifespan due to its resistance to UV light, heat, acids, and alkalis, resulting in minimal discoloration of the surface

Due to its durability, composite crystal stone is versatile, suitable for both interior and exterior installations. It can be used for countertops and tabletops, or in high-traffic industries such as hotels, spas, or shopping malls. In addition to its durability, this stone offers an aesthetically pleasing, glossy surface and a luxurious, clean appearance

Terrazzo

Terrazzo, a synthetic stone, has been around since the 16th century, created by the Italians. It's made by mixing cement with colored stone chips and polishing it to a glossy finish. It's typically available in two forms: cast-in-place and pre-fabricated. However, due to the complexity of cast-in-place, Siamtak imports pre-fabricated terrazzo panels to make installation easier

Terrazzo polishing stones are highly durable, strong, and resistant to scratches. Their non-porous surface, created through molding, prevents the accumulation of bacteria and stains, making them easy to clean

Currently, these tiles are becoming increasingly popular due to their more pastel colors. They are favored for various applications in cafes and can be used for flooring, walls, furniture, countertops, Western-style kitchens, islands, and the dry areas of bathrooms, adding a charming and playful touch to the space

All of these are just some of the popular synthetic stone options available today. They're a great alternative for those looking for a more affordable option or with a limited budget. With lower prices and a wide variety of patterns to choose from, synthetic stone is a good choice for design and installation. While it has some limitations in its applications, when installed in the right areas and properly maintained, it can create beautiful spaces that closely resemble natural stone.

If you're interested in synthetic stone can be incorporated into your home, get expert advice and more information from our stone professionals at @LINE Siamtak and Facebook Siamtak

Discover home decorating ideas and how different types of stone can enhance your home through Instagram @Siamtak Siamtak Decorative stones offer endless possibilities.