Abstract: The embodiments of the invention are directed to a synthetic ceramic comprising pyroxene-containing crystalline phase, a clast, and a glass phase, wherein at least a portion of the synthetic ceramic is plastically deformable in a certain temperature range. Other embodiments of the invention relate to a method of making a synthetic ceramic, comprising heating a green ceramic material to 900-1400° C., to a temperature sufficient to initiate partial melting of at least a portion of the green ceramic material, transferring the heated green ceramic material to a press, pressing the heated green ceramic material in a die at 1,000 to 10,000 psi, and transferring the heated, pressed green ceramic material to a furnace for cooling to form the synthetic ceramic.

Abstract: The invention relates to synthetic hybrid rock compositions, articles of manufacture and related processes employing mineral waste starting materials such as mine tailings, mine development rock, ash, slag, quarry fines, and slimes, to produce valuable articles of manufacture and products, which are characterized by superior physical and structural characteristics, including low porosity, low absorption, increased strength and durability, and retained plasticity. The resulting materials are compositionally and chemically distinct from conventional synthetic rock materials as demonstrated by scanning electron microprobe analysis, and are useful in a wide variety of applications, particularly with respect to commercial and residential construction.

Abstract: The invention relates to synthetic hybrid rock compositions, articles of manufacture and related processes employing mineral waste starting materials such as mine tailings, mine development rock, ash, slag, quarry fines, and slimes, to produce valuable articles of manufacture and products, which are characterized by superior physical and structural characteristics, including low porosity, low absorption, increased strength and durability, and retained plasticity. The resulting materials are compositionally and chemically distinct from conventional synthetic rock materials as demonstrated by scanning electron microprobe analysis, and are useful in a wide variety of applications, particularly with respect to commercial and residential construction.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention are directed to a synthetic ceramic comprising pyroxene-containing crystalline phase, a clast, and a glass phase, wherein at least a portion of the synthetic ceramic is plastically deformable in a certain temperature range. Other embodiments of the invention relate to a method of making a synthetic ceramic, comprising heating a green ceramic material to 900-1400° C., to a temperature sufficient to initiate partial melting of at least a portion of the green ceramic material, transferring the heated green ceramic material to a press, pressing the heated green ceramic material in a die at 1,000 to 10,000 psi, and transferring the heated, pressed green ceramic material to a furnace for cooling to form the synthetic ceramic.

Abstract: The invention relates to synthetic hybrid rock compositions, articles of manufacture and related processes employing mineral waste starting materials such as mine tailings, mine development rock, ash, slag, quarry fines, and slimes, to produce valuable articles of manufacture and products, which are characterized by superior physical and structural characteristics, including low porosity, low absorption, increased strength and durability, and retained plasticity. The resulting materials are compositionally and chemically distinct from conventional synthetic rock materials as demonstrated by scanning electron microprobe analysis, and are useful in a wide variety of applications, particularly with respect to commercial and residential construction.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention are directed to a synthetic ceramic comprising pyroxene-containing crystalline phase, a clast, and a glass phase, wherein at least a portion of the synthetic ceramic is plastically deformable in a certain temperature range. Other embodiments of the invention relate to a method of making a synthetic ceramic, comprising heating a green ceramic material to 900-1400° C., to a temperature sufficient to initiate partial melting of at least a portion of the green ceramic material, transferring the heated green ceramic material to a press, pressing the heated green ceramic material in a die at 1,000 to 10,000 psi, and transferring the heated, pressed green ceramic material to a furnace for cooling to form the synthetic ceramic.