How to make this pattern in a tile?

[Varadha]

Very recently I had been to a restaurant and the ceramic table grabbed my attention. What is this kind known as?? And how do they produce the patterns?

http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/7240/photo00042j.jpg

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[Danger]

Are you sure that's ceramic? From the picture, it looks more like some sort of pressed composite, possibly with a transparent ceramic coat...
I don't think that I can offer an informed opinion; I'd need to get my hands on it in person.

 

[jambaugh]

It looks like they embedded quartz (or is that flint) stone aggregate within a powdered ceramic material, fired it then polished smooth which also polished the aggregate faces to show some depth.

 

[Danger]

It looks like they embedded quartz (or is that flint) stone aggregate within a powdered ceramic material, fired it then polished smooth which also polished the aggregate faces to show some depth.

Uh, yeah, that's what I meant to say...

 

[Varadha]

It looks like they embedded quartz (or is that flint) stone aggregate within a powdered ceramic material, fired it then polished smooth which also polished the aggregate faces to show some depth.

Thank you. But, pressing large pieces(quartz or whatever) on a sintered ceramic will get irregularity in the surface right? Those protruding embedments have to be cut and do they use grinding wheels for that purpose? Isn't it a tiresome process?

 

[jambaugh]

Thank you. But, pressing large pieces(quartz or whatever) on a sintered ceramic will get irregularity in the surface right? Those protruding embedments have to be cut and do they use grinding wheels for that purpose? Isn't it a tiresome process?

I think it is much less so with better available materials, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, and diamond grinders and stone planers. I figure if they can cut and polish granite counter tops out of large quarry stones they can smooth down a cast ceramic much more quickly. But remember I'm extrapolating from a picture. Try web searching for commercial building supplies and seeing what you turn up.

Most companies are proud to educate the consumer as to their unique process, (short of giving away trade secrets).