A light-weight, heat distortion resistant laminate includes at least one layer of an alkali silicate resin composition derived from an alkali silicate and/or alkali silicate precursor, at least one oxoanionic compound or a reactive acidic glass; and water; and at least one reinforcing core layer comprising an inorganic high-temperature resistant composition. The laminate has a very low quench steepness index value upon rapid quenching as with ambient temperature water.