Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zero Mineral Surfaces?
Zero Mineral Surfaces are another name for engineered stone — a man-made surface designed to combine durability, consistency, and style. Unlike natural stone, which is quarried directly from the earth, engineered stone is created using carefully selected raw materials that are bound together under heat and pressure.
This process makes Zero Mineral Surfaces:
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Extremely durable – resistant to scratches, stains, and chips
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Low maintenance – easy to clean and care for
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Consistent in appearance – offering uniform colours and patterns across slabs
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Versatile – suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and a wide range of applications
They’re a practical and reliable alternative to natural stone, giving you the look you love with added performance benefits.
What is Natural Stone?
Natural stone is a material that comes directly from the earth, quarried from mountains and riverbeds, then cut into slabs for use in homes and commercial spaces. Each piece is completely unique, shaped over thousands of years by geological processes.
Natural stone is known for:
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Timeless beauty – no two slabs are ever the same, with distinctive veining, colours, and patterns
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Variety – options include marble, granite, travertine, dolomite, limestone, and onyx
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Luxury & value – long-lasting appeal that adds character and sophistication to any project
Because it’s a natural product, slight variations and maintenance requirements come with the territory — but that’s also what makes it truly one-of-a-kind.
What's the difference between Porcelain and Sintered Stone?
Porcelain
- Think of it as a very strong ceramic tile.
- It’s made from refined clay and fired at super high temperatures.
- It’s durable, waterproof, scratch-resistant, and has been used for floors, walls, and countertops for a long time.
Sintered Stone
- Imagine stone that’s been “engineered” in a lab to mimic how natural rock forms under heat and pressure.
- It’s made from a mix of natural minerals (not clay) that are pressed and baked together, so it behaves more like stone than tile.
- It’s extremely strong, resistant to stains, UV light, heat, and scratching—often even more than porcelain.
Easy Analogy
- Porcelain = tough ceramic tile.
- Sintered stone = man-made rock.
| Feature | Sintered Stone | Porcelain |
| What it is | Man-made “stone” created by fusing natural minerals with heat & pressure | Refined clay tile fired at very high temperatures |
| Durability | Extremely strong, resists heat, scratches, stains, UV | Very strong, but can chip at edges; less UV-resistant |
| Looks | Premium, realistic stone appearance | Wide variety of styles (stone, wood, concrete look) |
| Best for | Kitchen benchtops, BBQs, outdoor areas, high-use surfaces | Bathroom walls/floors, feature walls, indoor tiling |
| Maintenance | Very low, just wipe clean | Very low, just wipe clean |
| Installation | Heavier, can be harder to cut/install | Easier to cut, lighter, simpler to install |
| Cost | Higher (premium product) | More affordable |
Can you curve Sintered Stone?
Sintered Stone (sometimes called sintered marble) can’t be bent or thermoformed like acrylic or some solid surfaces. It’s a rigid, high-density material, so it doesn’t allow for true curvature.
However, if you’re designing a curved island, there are two main options:
- Segmented installation: The curve can be achieved by cutting the sintered slabs into narrow vertical strips and installing them in sections, then polishing or mitring the joins to follow the radius.
- Cladding with a substrate: Sometimes a curved substrate is made first, and smaller sintered panels are applied over it, again following the curve in sections.
So, while the stone itself can’t be curved, we can visually achieve a curved look through fabrication techniques. If you can share the radius or design of the island with your stonemason, they should be able to let you know what’s feasible and how they would handle it. It may be a little more costly but will come down to your stonemason and how far they are willing to go to achieve your desired outcome using this material.
What is the difference between Quartzite and Marble?
Quartzite and Marble are both natural stones, but they differ significantly in composition, durability, and maintenance needs.
Quartzite is a natural stone known for its strength, durability, and resistance to scratching and heat. It is perfect for kitchens and high-use areas. It often looks like marble but performs far better.
Marble is praised for its timeless beauty and elegant veining, but it’s softer and more porous, meaning it requires more care and is best for low-traffic or decorative spaces.
What sizes are available in Sintered Stone?
Our Sintered Stone slabs are available in two versatile sizes: 12mm and 20mm. These options give flexibility for different applications — whether you’re creating sleek splashbacks, durable benchtops, or large feature surfaces. The larger format reduces joins and provides a seamless, modern look, while the smaller option is perfect for more detailed projects.
Is Asetica available at Master Marble?
Yes. Master Marble is a proud sub-distributor of Asetica for the Techlam Sintered Stone range, which means you can find their products directly with us.
Do you stock the Techlam Sintered Stone Range?
Absolutely. Asetica’s Techlam Sintered Stone range is available here at Master Marble, ready for your next project.
Do you provide pricing?
No, we do not provide direct pricing as we are wholesalers. All purchases are made through your chosen stonemason, who will be able to give you accurate pricing for your project. We recommend discussing with them directly for a tailored quote.
Can anyone buy directly from Master Marble?
We’re a wholesale supplier, so all purchases go through your stonemason or fabricator. However, you’re more than welcome to visit, choose your slab, and we’ll note your selection for them.
Do you have samples?
Of course ! We have plenty of samples available in only Sintered Stone and Zero Mineral Surfaces, so you can take as many as you like to match cabinetry or finishes.
