Abstract: A process for artificially producing a relatively high density, tinted novaculite Washita stone of relatively homogenous characteristics, and the artificial stone product thereby produced. Tinted and untinted layers of abrasive mix are combined in a lateral pressing step to provide a composite colored stone suitable for subsequent vitrification. The untinted mixture preferably is preferably made from 100 mesh novaculite powder, but alternatively a blend of approximately 100 mesh and 200 mesh novaculite powder is employed. The is mixed with a wetting agent and water, a temporary binder, a flux, and a high refractory frit, yielding the following approximate constituency by weight: approximately 64% of said 100 and 200 mesh novaculite; 5-6% of a temporary binder, approximately 3% of the wetting agent, approximately 2% flux, and approximately 23-25% frit. After screening, the first mixture is completed by blending with ball clay.

Abstract: A process for artificially producing a relatively high density, vitrified composite novaculite product of relatively homogenous, characteristics with a MOH hardness of between 7.0 and 8.0, and the artificial stone product thereby produced. First a supply of dry abrasive comprising at least 95% by weight silicon dioxide is supplied. This source preferably includes mixtures of 100 mesh novaculite powder and 200 mesh novaculite powder. The dry abrasive mixture is thereafter mixed with a wetting agent, such as a 16:1 mixture of liquid organic concentrate and water, a temporary binder, calcium stearate, and a high refractory frit. The resultant mixture is thoroughly blended to form a first intermediate mixture having a weight of approximately 64% of said dry abrasive, 5.72% of a temporary binder, 3.08% of the wetting agent approximately 1.98% calcium stearate, and approximately 24.3% frit.