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Alternatives to Engineered Stone & the Silica Ban – What You Need to Know

The ban on high-silica engineered stone took effect in 2024, signalling the start of Australia’s phased transition away from these materials. The move marks a turning point in the design and construction industries, with designers, stonemasons and homeowners all reassessing what surfaces they trust in their spaces.

While engineered stone once ruled the benchtop market, that era is drawing to a close. The exciting part? There are safer, more beautiful, and durable and long lasting alternatives available, and they’re already being embraced by top architects and designers across the country.

Here’s what you need to know about the silica ban, and what’s next.

Why the Silica Ban Is Happening

The silica ban is a direct response to growing health concerns around respirable crystalline silica, a substance released when high-silica engineered stone is cut, drilled or fabricated. For stonemasons, this exposure has led to an alarming rise in cases of silicosis – a life-threatening lung disease.

Engineered stone contains up to 90% silica. As a result, Australia is introducing an industry-wide ban to protect workers and reduce long-term risk across the sector.

While the regulation will primarily affect supply and fabrication, it also opens the door for more natural, lower-risk materials to take centre stage.

Pictured is our Glacier Quartzite (Honed) in the North Bondi House Project, designed by Mather Beere Architecture. Image credit: Pablo Veiga.

Pictured is our Patagonia White Granite in the Centennial House Project, designed by Melissa Collison Design. Image credit: Alicia Taylor.

Quartzite and Granite: The Natural Premium Front-Runners

Among the alternatives, natural quartzite and granite emerge as the clear standouts.

That means:

  • High durability
  • Resistant to wear and acid-etching
  • Low maintenance

Designers love both of these stones for their versatility – they’re relatively low maintenance, offer a beautiful range of colours and aesthetics, and can often be well priced. Whether you’re after the creamy elegance of Champagne Quartzite (also known as Taj Mahal) or the striking contrast of Cebu Granite, these stones deliver a timeless, luxurious feel that’s safe to fabricate and install.

Looking for inspiration? Explore the quartzite and granite collections at Worldstone.

Other Safe & Innovative Materials

Among the alternatives, natural quartzite and granite emerge as the clear standouts.

While quartzite is a clear favourite, there are many other stones worth considering:

Dolomite

A natural stone often chosen for its marble-like appearance. Super White Dolomite, in particular, has become a designer favourite thanks to its cool, pale grey tones and striking patterns.

Travertine

A warmer-toned natural stone with a more porous surface. Best suited to bathrooms, outdoor areas and feature zones when sealed correctly.

The Role of Education & Ethical Sourcing

With change comes responsibility. As the industry shifts, it’s crucial that designers and suppliers commit to transparency, education and long-term thinking.

At Worldstone, we’re committed to working with ethical, global suppliers, sourcing low-risk, high-performance materials, providing clients with accurate, up-to-date information around care, sealing, fabrication and suitability. We’re more than a stone supplier; we’re here to support you in making informed, confident selections.

What Designers Are Doing Now

Across Australia, interior designers are adapting, and they’re adapting fast. They’re prioritising durability and authenticity, choosing natural stone over engineered options, embracing variation, veining and depth and reimagining the role of benchtops and surfaces as features, not just finishes.

The result? Kitchens, bathrooms and commercial spaces that feel more alive, more tactile, and ultimately, more enduring.

Pictured is our Champagne Quartzite in the Equanimity House Project, designed by Atelier Alwill. Image credit: Prue Ruscoe.

Pictured is our Cebu Granite in the Taronga Zoo Events Centre Project, designed by Five Foot One Design. Image credit: Ryan Linnegar.

Worldstone’s Response to the Silica Ban

At Worldstone, our focus has always been on premium natural stone. Our collection is exclusively composed of carefully selected natural stone slabs, and we do not import engineered quartz products affected by the Silica ban. Our offering remains consistent, maintaining both quality and compliance without requiring any adjustments.

Explore natural stone options that combine enduring performance with refined, sophisticated aesthetics. Our current range includes:

We work closely with global quarries and suppliers to ensure not only safe, premium options,  but also consistency of supply across commercial and residential projects.

Looking to specify safer, high-performance surfaces? Explore the full Worldstone rangeor book your showroom visit to speak with our team about finding the perfect alternative for your space.