Block · 20–50 mm
Stone — indicative fig. M·122
Fire A1 Non-combustibleEmbodied carbon 0.08kgCO₂e/kg LowCompressive 25-100 MPaMPa StructuralDesign life 50yr
Natural sedimentary stone tiles/pavers composed primarily of quartz grains cemented by silica, iron oxides, or carbonates. Offers excellent durability, thermal mass, and aesthetic appeal for external paving and architectural applications in Australian climates.
01 Physical
Density 2000-2650 kg/m³kg/m³
Specific gravity 2.0-2.65
Porosity 10-35%%
Water absorption 3-20% by weight%
Hardness 6-7 Mohs scale
UV resistance Excellent
Chemical resistance Good (pH 5-9)
pH tolerance 5.0-9.0
Surface roughness 5-15 μm Raµm
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength 2-8 MPaMPa
Compressive strength 25-100 MPaMPa
Flexural strength 3-10 MPaMPa
Shear strength 5-15 MPaMPa
Poisson's ratio 0.15-0.25
Impact resistance Moderate
Creep resistance Excellent
03 Thermal
Thermal conductivity 1.7-3.0 W/m·KW/m·K
Specific heat 710-920 J/kg·KJ/kg·K
Thermal expansion 10-12 × 10⁻⁶/°C×10⁻⁶/°C
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Combustibility class Non-combustible
Fire resistance level Non-combustible
Ignition temp Not applicable°C
Flame spread index 0
Smoke dev. index 0
Heat release rate 0 kW/m²
05 Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon 0.079 kg CO₂/kg
Carbon footprint 77 kg CO₂e/tonne
Embodied energy 0.3-1.0 MJ/kgMJ/kg
Water footprint LowL/kg
Recyclability 100%%
Recycled content 0%%
Renewable content 0%%
Circular score High
VOC emissions Zero
Toxicity rating Non-toxic
LEED contribution MR credits 2-5 points
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan 50-100+ years
Maintenance interval Annual sealing, 5-yearly deep clean
Warranty period 10-15 years typical
Material cost (range) $45-150/m²
Material cost (per unit) $50-100/m² typical
Lead time 1-4 weeks
Lifecycle cost $150-300/m² over 50 years
Annual maintenance $2-5/m²
Market availability Readily available
07 Assessment
Advantages
- Naturally slip-resistant surface texture
- Excellent thermal mass for passive solar design
- Non-combustible with high fire resistance
- Low embodied carbon compared to manufactured alternatives
- Durable with 50+ year lifespan when properly maintained
- Locally available reducing transport emissions
- Aesthetically versatile with natural colour variations
- Compatible with Australian building traditions
- No VOC emissions - completely natural material
- Recyclable and reusable at end of life
Constraints
- Variable porosity affecting water absorption (3-20%)
- Requires sealing in high-traffic or marine environments
- Can be prone to salt attack in coastal areas without treatment
- Natural colour variation may not suit all designs
- Some varieties susceptible to weathering and erosion
- Higher initial cost than concrete alternatives
- Professional installation recommended for optimal performance
- Weight considerations for structural applications
- Limited availability of specific colours/textures
- Potential for efflorescence in some varieties
08 Applications
A1 External paving - driveways, pathways, patios
A2 Pool surrounds and coping
A3 Public spaces and pedestrian areas
A4 Garden edging and landscaping features
A5 Wall cladding and facade elements
A6 Steps and stairs
A7 Internal flooring (sealed)
A8 Heritage restoration projects
A9 Bushfire-prone area construction (BAL rated)
A10 Commercial and residential courtyards
09 Sources & Standards
Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded. Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards before specifying.