The invention relates to synthetic hybrid rock compositions, articles of
manufacture and related processes employing mineral waste starting
materials such as mine tailings, mine development rock, ash, slag, quarry
fines, and slimes, to produce valuable articles of manufacture and
products, which are characterized by superior physical and structural
characteristics, including low porosity, low absorption, increased
strength and durability, and retained plasticity. The resulting materials
are compositionally and chemically distinct from conventional synthetic
rock materials as demonstrated by scanning electron microprobe analysis,
and are useful in a wide variety of applications, particularly with
respect to commercial and residential construction.