Question 1

Is engineered stone dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Traditional engineered stone can contain up to 95% crystalline silica. When fabricators cut or polish it, fine dust is released that causes silicosis, an irreversible lung disease. The hazard is for workers, not end users, but it is the reason several countries have restricted the material. Signstone is engineered with 0% crystalline silica, removing this risk entirely.

Question 2

What is silicosis?

Accepted Answer

Silicosis is an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling fine crystalline silica dust. Stone fabricators are the most exposed group. Cutting high-silica engineered quartz without strict controls has caused severe silicosis in workers under 40. There is no medical cure beyond lung transplantation, which is why prevention at the source matters.

Question 3

Why is engineered stone being banned in some countries?

Accepted Answer

Australia became the first country to ban high-silica engineered stone in July 2024 after a wave of silicosis cases among young fabricators. France and other EU countries have tightened crystalline silica exposure limits. The bans target the material, not the category. Silica-free alternatives like Signstone remain fully legal and recommended.

Question 4

Does Signstone contain any crystalline silica?

Accepted Answer

No. Signstone is engineered with 0% crystalline silica. We use natural mineral fillers and binders that deliver the same density, hardness and finish as premium quartz, without the respiratory hazard for the people who fabricate it.

Question 5

Is Signstone safe for fabricators?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cutting, edging and polishing Signstone does not release crystalline silica dust because there is none in the material. Workshops still apply standard ventilation and PPE practices, but the silicosis risk that prompted bans on conventional quartz is eliminated at the source.

Question 6

What is Signstone made of?

Accepted Answer

Signstone is engineered from natural mineral aggregates bound by a high-performance resin matrix. The composition is silica-free and certified to contain 0% crystalline silica. The result performs like premium quartz: dense, non-porous, scratch and stain resistant, with the same range of finishes.

Question 7

Is Signstone heat resistant?

Accepted Answer

Signstone handles everyday cooking heat without issue. A pan straight off the hob can sit on it briefly. As with any engineered stone, we recommend trivets under very hot cookware to avoid prolonged direct contact, which can damage any countertop surface over time.

Question 8

Is Signstone stain resistant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Signstone is non-porous, so wine, coffee, oil and most household substances wipe off with warm water and a soft cloth. For stubborn marks, a non-abrasive cleaner restores the surface. No sealer or special product is needed.

Question 9

Can Signstone be used outdoors?

Accepted Answer

Signstone surfaces are designed for interior use. We don't recommend them for terraces, summer kitchens or outdoor barbecues, or in direct contact with fire. Tell us about your project and we'll help you choose the right solution.

Question 10

How does Signstone compare to traditional quartz?

Accepted Answer

Signstone matches premium quartz on durability, hardness and finish, but contains 0% crystalline silica instead of the 90%+ found in conventional engineered quartz. For end users the experience is identical. For the people who fabricate it, the silicosis risk is gone.

Question 11

How do I clean Signstone surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Daily cleaning is warm water with a soft cloth and a drop of mild dish soap. Wipe spills as they happen. Avoid abrasive scouring pads, bleach and aggressive solvents, which can dull the finish over time. No sealers or specialty products are required.

Question 12

Does Signstone need sealing?

Accepted Answer

No. Unlike natural marble or granite, Signstone is non-porous from day one and never requires sealing. The surface stays impermeable for the life of the installation, which makes it a low-maintenance choice for kitchens and bathrooms.

Question 13

What can damage a Signstone surface?

Accepted Answer

Direct prolonged contact with extreme heat, sharp impacts at the edge, and strong solvents such as acetone, paint stripper or oven cleaner can damage Signstone. Used as a working countertop with a chopping board and trivets for hot pans, it lasts decades looking the same as the day it was installed.

Question 14

How do I get a Signstone quote?

Accepted Answer

Send your project details through the contact form, by email at geral@signstone.fr or by phone at +33 1 78 63 46 68. For an accurate quote we need approximate square metres, layout, stone preference and your installation address. We typically respond within one business day.

Question 15

Where is Signstone available?

Accepted Answer

Signstone is available across France through our team in Chanteloup-les-Vignes, and in Portugal through our partner network. For projects elsewhere in the EU, contact us. We coordinate with local fabricators and installers to deliver the surface to your site.

Question 16

How long does an installation take?

Accepted Answer

From quote acceptance to installed surface is typically 3 to 5 weeks for a standard kitchen. Production takes most of that time. On-site installation itself is usually a single day. Larger or custom projects take longer, and we give you a precise timeline with the quote.

Questions, answered.

Safety & silica

Material & properties

Care & maintenance

Buying & projects

Questions, answered.

Safety & silica

Material & properties

Care & maintenance

Buying & projects