Abstract: A composition for forming a tile body consists of a major amount by weight of calcium sulphate hemi-hydrate, 11 to 13% by weight of the calcium sulphate hemi-hydrate of a phenolic resin, a suitable amount of a catalyst for the phenolic resin, water in an amount sufficient to provide with the water present in the other components of the composition approximately the amount of water theoretically required for complete rehydration of the calcium sulphate hemi-hydrate, about 1% by weight of the calcium sulphate hemi-hydrate of a melamine formaldehyde concentrate and about 1% by weight of the calcium sulphate hemi-hydrate of a polyvinyl alcohol. The composition may be used to form tile bodies which may take the place of conventional ceramic tiles utilized in bathrooms, kitchens and the like.