The combination of various materials sets trends and creates contrasts – from traditional to avant-garde.

Examples seen at exhibitions in Nuremberg and Verona.

New design possibilities for natural stone

Combining natural stone with other materials results in many new design possibilities. The most suitable mix materials include metal, wood and glass. Although many users and architects are looking for new ideas on the use of natural stone, only a few suppliers have utilized the potential offered by material mixes until now.

The combination of natural stone and glass is one of the most attractive material arrangements. The Italian suppliers in particular are rediscovering the mosaic. Specific trends are therefore the many mixes with glass mosaics. Decorated borders and stone-glass compositions are still made by sticking pieces to a net by hand, which allows individual productions in any size.

There are special mixes of marble and a pentagonal ceramic tile from Spain. The so-called pentagon tile is sold in a separate series called Aichi. The ranges of the ceramic manufacturers also increasingly include natural stone inlays.
Metal inlays with natural stone are possible at any time. Water-jet cutting enables simple geometric shapes to be cut in the stone for mounting other materials or decorations. Even lettering, company logos or compass dials are meanwhile possible. For those who do not wish to buy their own system, there are many providers offering water-jet cutting services on a contract basis.
Natural stone and wood are hardly used as a mix, although both are natural materials, but the combination of natural stone floors and parquet floors separated by a rail or expansion joint is widespread.

Not only innovative stonemasonry firms have recognized the promotional effect of material mixes, but also a number of traders, who offer exquisite natural stones and mixes of them with glass, ceramics and other materials.