Synthetic molded slabs, and systems and methods related thereto

A process of forming a processed slab from different particulate mineral mixes, comprising:

• positioning a slab mold in a substantially non-horizontal orientation, the slab mold defining a mold space that is at least 6 feet long by at least 2 feet wide, the mold space having a first edge thickness that is smaller than and parallel to a second edge thickness proximate to an upwardly facing opening of the mold;
• dispensing a first combination of differently pigmented particulate materials into the substantially non-horizontally oriented mold, while a mold end cap associated with the upwardly facing opening is in an open position, to define a first layer defined by the first combination of differently pigmented particulate materials;
• dispensing additional pigmented particulate material into the substantially non-horizontally oriented mold, while the mold end cap is in the open position, to define a plurality of successive layers of differently pigmented particulate material;
• adjusting the mold to a substantially horizontal orientation while the multiple pigmented particulate materials are in the mold;
• and
• vibrating and compacting the multiple pigmented particulate materials arranged in the mold while the mold is in the substantially horizontal orientation and the mold end cap is in a closed position.