Endless Possibilities: Terrazzo Aggregate Shape Designs

Jaw-Crushed vs Cone-Crushed Terrazzo Aggregate

Jaw-crushed aggregate is elongated and angular. Cone-crushed aggregate is rounded and uniform. Both come from the exact raw material; however, the crushing method alone determines the shape, ultimately changing how the aggregate appears across a finished terrazzo floor.

For many designers, they stop at hue and chip sizes. The aggregate type is not a variable most designers consider, and could be a decision that determines whether your floor’s aggregates look sharp and pointy, or soft and cubicle.

What causes the shape differences in terrazzo aggregates?

There are endless possibilities when it comes to a terrazzo design. Designers can look through a variety of marble or recycled glass chips to find a color they truly desire. Aggregates can also be broken down into various sizes. In the terrazzo industry, aggregates come in three major sizes: 0, 1, and 2; zero being the smallest of the sizes and 2 being the largest.  Designers have more options than ever before. Venetian chips size 3 through 8, are trending in today’s architecture and design world.

The shape comes from how the crusher breaks the stone, not from the stone itself.

• Cone Crusher: Material spirals through a chamber and is screened from multiple angles until it’s small enough to exit. The result is a rounded, uniform chip with soft edges.
• Jaw Crusher: Material passes between two flat plates that close like teeth, breaking it down through direct compression. The result is an elongated, angular chip with jagged, irregular edges.

How an Architect Can Customize Their Terrazzo Design with Aggregate Shapes

Architects can ask TERRAZZCO which crusher method they prefer to get a desired outcome. From there samples are approved, then material is delivered to the job site.

A practical workflow: 

1. Pick the aggregate color and material (marble, glass, shell) for the project’s palette.
2. Decide on the aggregate profile you like to see
3. Request either a jaw-crushed and cone-crushed sample in that color, or both.
4. Compare them under the project’s actual lighting conditions.
5. Indicate the crusher method for future orders.

Terrazzo is a one-of-a-kind pour every time. Colors get selected first, then the contractor procures material, and depending on the mix, that procurement can carry real lead time. Working with terrazzo materials early in the design process keeps the project on schedule and ensures the aggregate matches the desired intent.

Using Different Aggregate Shapes in a Terrazzo Design

In the following Frozen Blue terrazzo samples, you will notice the jaw-shaped aggregates and the cone-shaped aggregates. While they look identical from afar, you will notice there are longer-shaped aggregates in the jaw-shaped terrazzo design, whereas there are more rounded-shaped aggregates in the cone-shaped terrazzo design. Concord Terrazzo Company provides samples to the architectural and design communities. Want to see the difference for yourself? Request terrazzo samples by filling out a request form here: Request a terrazzo sample

FAQ About Aggregate Shapes