Marble-like composite materials and methods of preparation thereof

An article of manufacture made from a composite material comprising:

• a plurality of bonding elements, wherein each bonding element comprises:
• a core comprising primarily calcium silicate,
• a silica-rich first or inner layer, and
• a calcium carbonate-rich second or outer layer;
• a plurality of filler particles having a median particle size in the range from about 5 μm to about 7 mm;
• and
• one or more pigments selected from iron oxide, cobalt oxide and chromium oxide, wherein
• the plurality of bonding elements and the plurality of filler particles together form one or more bonding matrices with the one or more pigments substantially unevenly dispersed therein so as to exhibit patterns of swirls, veins and waves, and
• the bonding elements and the filler particles are substantially evenly dispersed in the one or more bonding matrices and bonded together,
• whereby the article exhibits substantially marble-like textures, patterns and physical properties.