Königstone has introduced KönigZero, a collection of 28 zero-crystalline silica engineered stone surfaces designed to deliver the durability, resilience, and timeless aesthetic of Quartz – without the associated health risks.

James Bull, managing director of Königstone, explains: “The risks associated with fabricating materials containing crystalline silica are well understood in our industry, and we’ve always taken our responsibility seriously. KönigZero is the natural next step – a zero-crystalline silica material* that removes the concern at source while still giving retailers and homeowners the quality they expect. Recent headlines have created uncertainty around Quartz, so it’s important that retailers can offer safer choices that don’t compromise on design or affordability. We’re also incredibly proud that our latest Occupational Hygiene Monitoring assessment found that operators in our fabrication facility were not exposed to a detectable level of RCS or respirable dust anywhere on site. It shows what’s possible when innovation in materials and fabrication come together.”

Worldwide, more than 230 million workers are exposed to crystalline silica each year (Sherekar et al, 2025, IOSH Magazine).

What is KönigZero?

• A safer choice – Zero‑crystalline silica engineered stone removes the concerns that have surrounded Quartz in recent years, giving customers peace of mind.
• No compromise on quality – KönigZero performs like Quartz: durable, scratch‑resistant, consistent in colour and suitable for all kitchen and bathroom applications.
• A full palette of 28 colours – From classic neutrals to contemporary tones, the range supports every kitchen design.
• Accessible pricing – KönigZero is positioned to be a mainstream option, not a premium or niche material.
• Leading the market with safer surfaces – Offering a full zero‑crystalline silica range will position a showroom ahead of competition.
• Backed by a trusted UK brand – Königstone has been supplying premium surfaces since 2005 and is known for reliability, service and design leadership.

Why does Zero matter?

The safety of Quartz worktops has been under scrutiny following cases of silicosis among stonemasons exposed to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) during fabrication. While responsible fabricators have long implemented strict controls, the industry has been seeking materials that reduce risk at source.

KönigZero directly addresses this need. By replacing Quartz, which is high in Crystalline silica, with natural minerals, KönigZero eliminates the primary cause of concern while maintaining the performance standards expected by UK kitchen retailers and homeowners.

What testing has been undertaken?

The team at Königstone has spent three years developing and testing zero crystalline silica engineered stone, both in controlled environments and in real world fabrication settings. More than 700 KönigZero worktops have already been fabricated and installed, allowing the material to be assessed for:

• Technical performance (strength, durability, stability)
• Fabrication behaviour (cutting, polishing, finishing)
• Dust generation and safety impact in a live production environment

The fabricator: Midland Stone Centre

All Königstone surfaces, including KönigZero, are fabricated exclusively by Midland Stone Centre, a modern, automated facility with capacity for over 100 kitchen worktop sets per week. The factory operates with a continuous improvement approach to reducing exposure to RCS, including:

• Water suppression on all machinery and pneumatic tools
• Advanced ventilation systems
• PPE protocols for any dry cutting
• Regular independent Occupational Hygiene Monitoring
• Significant investment in automation to minimise manual dust generating processes

This partnership ensures that every KönigZero surface is produced under industry leading safety and quality standards.

What were the results of workplace air sampling?

In May 2025, Midland Stone Centre underwent an independent Occupational Hygiene Monitoring assessment, conducted by Bradley Environmental Consultants Ltd. The assessment measured personal exposure to respirable crystalline silica and respirable dust across 10 working areas over an eight-hour period.

The findings were unequivocal: all monitored areas recorded exposure levels below the Level of Detection (LOD) for both RCS and respirable dust. The simulated task of dry cutting outside was also under the LOD for both respirable dusts and RCS.

For further information on Königstone, please visit www.konigstone.co.uk.