Holcim Geostone
Achieve the best possible result for your next project with Geostone decorative concrete.
Not sure which product works best? Order Geostone samples and choose the right look for your architectural project.
Geostone’s concrete range is the perfect platform for your dream house, commercial or infrastructure project. Just as important as the mix you choose is the level of exposure that you request from your polisher. Exposure level is the amount of aggregate that is visible post grinding of the concrete. Aggregate is the stone that is present in all concrete mixes. The visual appearance of Geostone exposed & polished concrete is significantly affected by the level of stone exposure achieved during its finishing by the placing contractors. The terminology is slightly different between exposed concrete and polished/honed concrete. This is explained below.
There are three different levels of exposure to choose from when talking about exposed aggregate concrete.
The cement paste is washed off so that aggregates do not protrude more than 1mm. This is suitable when you want a smoother texture.
The cement paste is washed off so that aggregates protrude about 2-3mm. This is our most popular type of exposed finish.
Cement paste is heavily washed off so that aggregates protrude between 3-5mm.
There are three different levels of exposure to choose from for polished concrete:
Little to no stone visible on the concrete surface. The concrete can be polished to your desired level of shine.
This is often referred to as the salt and pepper look. There is often no stone exposure in some areas, while other areas have a little or a lot depending on how the slab was poured
This is our most popular concrete finish and it shows you as much stone as possible through your floor. Provided the concrete has been poured evenly and to the right specifications, you should have as the name suggests, full stone showing through.
Honed concrete is often used in outdoor applications like patios, driveways and walkways. There are two main types of honed finishes. See below images comparing exposed, polished and ‘pavillion finish’ honed finishes.
Exposed aggregate concrete is a decorative concrete finish where the top layer of cement paste is washed off to reveal the natural stones and pebbles.
Polished concrete, primarily used indoors, is achieved by mechanically grinding and polishing a concrete slab to a smooth, glossy sheen, revealing the embedded aggregates.
A type of honed concrete finish that has been acid-etched to create a rougher, more textured surface that increases slip resistance – ideal for pool surrounds and driveways.
Coloured Concrete can be finished in many different ways to achieve a variety of different looks to suit any project. Common coloured concrete finishes include trowelled, broom or sandblasted. The applied finish influences the resulting concrete colour. For example, broom finishes may produce a lighter finish than a trowelled.
A smooth surface finish by repeatedly dragging the flat, steel blade of a hand or mechanical trowel across the surface after the concrete has been initially levelled with a screed.
A textured concrete surface created by dragging a stiff-bristled broom across partially set concrete to create parallel lines, providing better slip resistance than a troweled surface. Ideal for footpaths.
Sandblasting can be used to reveal the stones in a concrete mix that has set by using a high-pressure stream of abrasive material. This is often used to create individual designs and finishes on concrete surfaces. It is recommended that a product from our ‘exposed’ range be chosen for this purpose – colours from our Coloured Concrete range can be added to those products.
In the pursuit of sustainable, high-performance and visually compelling design, Geostone by Holcim stands out as a benchmark in modern decorative concrete. Combining robust environmental credentials with aesthetic versatility, Geostone enables architects and specifiers to meet sustainability targets without compromising on design intent. With key performance metrics such as SRI (Solar Reflectance Index), LRV (Light Reflectance Value) and GWP (Global Warming Potential) readily available, decision-makers are equipped to make informed, data-driven choices that support both thermal performance and embodied carbon reduction. Backed by third-party verified EPDs and alignment with key certifications like Green Star and the Infrastructure Sustainability Council’s IS ratings, Geostone offers the transparency essential for today’s sustainable projects. The use of locally sourced aggregates, lower-carbon concrete mixes and optimised production processes further demonstrates Holcim’s commitment to reducing environmental impact while supporting regional supply chains. Whether specified for residential or commercial applications, Geostone delivers a balance of durability, thermal efficiency and design flexibility, available in a wide range of finishes, colours and textures. It reflects Holcim’s broader mission to decarbonise construction and deliver solutions that build progress for people and the planet. For Australian architects and designers seeking a credible, low-impact decorative concrete, Geostone provides a solution that is as sustainable as it is beautiful.
“Slip rating” refers to a classification system that quantifies a surface’s ability to prevent slips and falls, particularly when wet. The main applicable testing methods for most pedestrian surfaces, both interior and exterior where water might be present is the Wet Pendulum Test, which yields a P-rating (P0 to P5, with P5 being the highest slip resistance). Architects must specify the appropriate slip rating based on the intended use and potential environmental conditions of the decorative concrete surface, ensuring it meets the safety requirements for the specific application (e.g., a polished indoor floor will require a different rating than an outdoor exposed aggregate pathway). Typical medium exposed aggregate achieves a slip rating of P5 – this is only a guide and comes down to the placing contractor. Exposure levels, and type of finish, will affect the achieved slip rating.
The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) is a measure of the solar reflectance and emissivity of materials that can be used as an indicator of how hot they are likely to become when exposed to the sun. Solar reflectance is the ability of a material to reflect solar energy from its surface back into the atmosphere.
A color’s Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures the amount of visible and usable light that reflects from or absorbs into a specific surface. Simply put, LRV measures the percentage of light a surface color reflects.
In the context of concrete, Global Warming Potential (GWP) refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing the concrete, expressed in terms of kilograms of CO₂ equivalent (kg CO₂-eq) per unit of material (commonly per cubic metre).
Architects specifying Geostone should reference the desired product name and finish (exposed, polished, or honed) within their project documentation. Specifications should also detail the required compressive strength, slip resistance and exposure level (light, medium, heavy) exposed aggregate, or (Nil, minimal/random, or full) in the case of polished/honed. Exposed Concrete Example: Holcim Geostone 32MPa Galaxy exposed. Medium exposure, achieving P4 slip rating. Polished Concrete Example: Holcim Supernova 32MPa polished. Full exposure, achieving P4 slip rating.
To assist in your design process, samples of our full range of Coloured Concrete are now available.
If you are an architect specifying for landscape design featuring concrete footpaths, off-form concrete finishes, or precast walls, these physical references will allow you to accurately select your concrete colour palette, ensuring the colours tie in perfectly with your design project.
You can either order individual concrete samples for your specific project, or a full set of our 48 colours in a sample box if you find yourself specifying coloured concrete often.
To order Coloured Concrete samples, just contact us and we will be in touch!
Whether you’re specifying for residential, commercial, or landscape projects, our exposed aggregate concrete samples allow you to assess texture, finish, and colour in the context of your design. Can’t make it to a display centre? We’ll send you up to four small concrete samples. Simply add your desired Geostone products to the cart and we’ll deliver them to your studio or residence as required.
We welcome communication and collaboration. Please get in touch if we can be of assistance to you. Contact us
Showcasing how architects around Australia have applied Geostone concrete to both residential and commercial projects.
Your questions answered
Control joints are placed in the concrete to encourage any cracking that may occur to happen in predetermined locations, allowing the customer to control to an extent where the cracking happens and reduce cracking as much as possible given the terrain.
As concrete is a porous material it can absorb contaminants which can lead to staining if not treated. Not all installers include sealing as a standard so make sure you ask your installer about sealing at the outset of your project.Click here to read more on sealing your decorative concrete.
To protect your Geostone concrete, it is recommended to seal the decorative concrete surfaces. Read more on sealing here. Decorative concrete is quite easy to look after. Click here to read more tips for cleaning decorative concrete.
The curing process protects fresh concrete from rapid moisture loss and extreme temperatures; this both reduces the risk of cracking and increases the strength of the concrete.
With many approved Geostone intallers around the country, your next Geostone project will be completed to perfection.
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