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 .