Engineered stone is a composite material made of crushed stone bound together by an adhesive to create a solid surface. The most common types of engineered stone are quartz, polymer concrete, and engineered marble stone. The manufacturing process involves crushing stone into agglomerates (stone powders) of various grain sizes, which are then bound together with an adhesive such as polymer resin or cement mix. Some companies import boulders themselves to crush into agglomerates, while others buy already-crushed stone powders.

Engineered stone has several advantages over natural stone, including:

• Uniformity: Engineered stone has a uniform internal structure, which means it does not have hidden cracks or flaws that may exist in natural stone. It also has a color/pattern consistency from slab to slab.

• Non-porous: Engineered stone is non-porous, making it stain-resistant and easier to clean than natural stone. It also does not require sealing, making it a lower maintenance option for busy homeowners.

• Durability: Engineered stone is harder than many types of natural stone and has a similar appearance to natural stone. It is also more flexible than natural stone, preventing cracking under flexural pressure.

• Antifungal and antibacterial: Because it is non-porous, engineered stone is also antifungal and antibacterial, making it a great option for commercial applications such as restaurants and medical offices.

However, engineered stone also has some disadvantages, including:

• Cost: Engineered stone can be more expensive than natural stone.

• Heat resistance: Engineered stone is not as heat-resistant as natural stone and can be damaged by excessive heat.

In summary, engineered stone is a composite material made of crushed stone bound together by an adhesive. It has several advantages over natural stone, including uniformity, non-porosity, durability, and antifungal/antibacterial properties. However, it can be more expensive than natural stone and is not as heat-resistant.