Caesarstone vs. ISFA: Conflicting Definitions of "Mineral Surfaces"

Caesarstone has ignited a debate within the surface industry by introducing "Caesarstone Mineral? Surfaces" as their new label for low-silica slabs. This rebranding raises concerns about transparency, potential consumer confusion, and the broader implications for the industry.

But what exactly are these "mineral surfaces"? The answer is surprisingly complex and depends on who you ask:

Caesarstone: To them, it's their signature engineered quartz with a lower silica content. Their data sheet reveals the same familiar ingredients: cristobalite, quartz, feldspar, recycled glass, resins, and pigments. They claim these new slabs offer the same performance and durability as their traditional quartz.

International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA): Since 2021, the ISFA has used the term "mineral surfaces" to categorize a distinct group of materials: sintered stone, ultracompact surfaces, and porcelain slabs. These are NOT quartz-based, but rather primarily composed of clay and other minerals, manufactured under intense heat and pressure.

This raises several questions for industry professionals and consumers alike:

• How should the industry define and categorize different surface materials to avoid confusion?
• Could consumers be misled into believing they're purchasing something other than quartz?

• Might fabricators face unexpected challenges due to the material's unchanged properties?

Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story and explore its implications for the future of surface materials.

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