Abstract: The invention provides novel paving stones and construction block composite materials and methods for preparation thereof. The paving stones and construction block composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost precursor materials by a production process that involves compacting in a mold that is suitable for large-scale production. The precursor materials include calcium silicate, for example, wollastonite, and particulate filler materials which can comprise silicon dioxide-rich materials. Additives can include calcium carbonate-rich and magnesium carbonate-rich materials. Various additives can be used to fine-tune the physical appearance and mechanical properties of the composite material, such as colorants such as particles of colored materials, such as, and pigments (e.g., black iron oxide, cobalt oxide and chromium oxide).

Abstract: The invention provides novel paving stones and construction block composite materials and methods for preparation thereof. The paving stones and construction block composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost precursor materials by a production process that involves compacting in a mold that is suitable for large-scale production. The precursor materials include calcium silicate, for example, wollastonite, and particulate filler materials which can comprise silicon dioxide-rich materials. Additives can include calcium carbonate-rich and magnesium carbonate-rich materials. Various additives can be used to fine-tune the physical appearance and mechanical properties of the composite material, such as colorants such as particles of colored materials, such as, and pigments (e.g., black iron oxide, cobalt oxide and chromium oxide).

Abstract: The invention provides novel paving stones and construction block composite materials and methods for preparation thereof. The paving stones and construction block composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost precursor materials by a production process that involves compacting in a mold that is suitable for large-scale production. The precursor materials include calcium silicate, for example, wollastonite, and particulate filler materials which can comprise silicon dioxide-rich materials. Additives can include calcium carbonate-rich and magnesium carbonate-rich materials. Various additives can be used to fine-tune the physical appearance and mechanical properties of the composite material, such as colorants such as particles of colored materials, such as, and pigments (e.g., black iron oxide, cobalt oxide and chromium oxide).

Abstract: The invention provides novel slate-like composite materials and methods for preparation thereof. The slate-like composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost precursor materials by a process suitable for large-scale production. The precursor materials include calcium silicate, for example, wollastonite, and particulate filler materials which comprise silicon dioxide-rich materials such as quartz, mica, feldspar, sand and glass. Additives can include calcium carbonate-rich and magnesium carbonate-rich materials. Various additives can be used to fine-tune the physical appearance and mechanical properties of the composite material, such as colorants such as particles of colored materials, such as colored glass, colored sand, and colored quartz particles, and pigments (e.g., black iron oxide, cobalt oxide and chromium oxide).

Abstract: The invention provides novel marble-like composite materials and methods for preparation thereof. The marble-like composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost raw materials by a process suitable for large-scale production. The precursor materials include calcium silicate and calcium carbonate rich materials, for example, wollastonite and limestone. Various additives can be used to fine-tune the physical appearance and mechanical properties of the composite material, such as pigments (e.g., black iron oxide, cobalt oxide and chromium oxide) and minerals (e.g., quartz, mica and feldspar). These marble-like composite materials exhibit veins, swirls and/or waves unique to marble as well as display compressive strength, flexural strength and water absorption similar to that of marble.

Abstract: The invention provides novel granite-like composite materials and methods for preparation thereof. The granite-like composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost precursor materials by a process suitable for large-scale production. The precursor materials include calcium silicate, for example, wollastonite, and particulate filler materials which comprise silicon dioxide-rich materials such as quartz, mica, feldspar, sand and glass. Additives can include calcium carbonate-rich and magnesium carbonate-rich materials. Various additives can be used to fine-tune the physical appearance and mechanical properties of the composite material, such as colorants such as particles of colored materials, such as colored glass, colored sand, and colored quartz particles, and pigments (e.g., black iron oxide, cobalt oxide and chromium oxide).

Abstract: The invention provides novel wood-like composite materials and methods for preparation thereof. The wood-like composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost precursor materials by a production process that involves casting in a mold that is suitable for large-scale production. The precursor materials include calcium silicate, for example, wollastonite, and particulate filler materials which comprise silicon dioxide-rich materials such as quartz, mica, feldspar, sand and glass. Additives can include calcium carbonate-rich and magnesium carbonate-rich materials. Various additives can be used to fine-tune the physical appearance and mechanical properties of the composite material, such as colorants such as particles of colored materials, such as, and pigments (e.g., black iron oxide, cobalt oxide and chromium oxide).

Abstract: The invention provides novel paving stones and construction block composite materials and methods for preparation thereof. The paving stones and construction block composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost precursor materials by a production process that involves compacting in a mold that is suitable for large-scale production. The precursor materials include calcium silicate, for example, wollastonite, and particulate filler materials which can comprise silicon dioxide-rich materials. Additives can include calcium carbonate-rich and magnesium carbonate-rich materials. Various additives can be used to fine-tune the physical appearance and mechanical properties of the composite material, such as colorants such as particles of colored materials, such as, and pigments (e.g., black iron oxide, cobalt oxide and chromium oxide).

Abstract: The invention provides novel slate-like composite materials and methods for preparation thereof. The slate-like composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost precursor materials by a process suitable for large-scale production. The precursor materials include calcium silicate, for example, wollastonite, and particulate filler materials which comprise silicon dioxide-rich materials such as quartz, mica, feldspar, sand and glass. Additives can include calcium carbonate-rich and magnesium carbonate-rich materials. Various additives can be used to fine-tune the physical appearance and mechanical properties of the composite material, such as colorants such as particles of colored materials, such as colored glass, colored sand, and colored quartz particles, and pigments (e.g., black iron oxide, cobalt oxide and chromium oxide).

Abstract: The invention provides novel marble-like composite materials and methods for preparation thereof. The marble-like composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost raw materials by a process suitable for large-scale production. The precursor materials include calcium silicate and calcium carbonate rich materials, for example, wollastonite and limestone. Various additives can be used to fine-tune the physical appearance and mechanical properties of the composite material, such as pigments (e.g., black iron oxide, cobalt oxide and chromium oxide) and minerals (e.g., quartz, mica and feldspar). These marble-like composite materials exhibit veins, swirls and/or waves unique to marble as well as display compressive strength, flexural strength and water absorption similar to that of marble.