Stone testing and consulting specialists

Summary of our capabilities

Our capabilities cover a wide range of Australian (AS), American (ASTM) and International (ISO) standards, along with a suite of specialised SI-standard test methods developed by Stone Initiatives. We also have the knowledge and flexibility to develop in-house test methods for non-routine or unusual projects.

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Slip resistance testing: Adelaide’s NATA-accredited laboratory

Our NATA-accredited laboratory is run by skilled technicians who help solve problems and minimise the risk of trips and falls in your project. Our Adelaide-based slip testing team is certified to test to AS 4586:2013 (New Pedestrian Surfaces) and AS 4663:2013 (Existing Pedestrian Surfaces). We offer same-day slip testing* for Adelaide projects (we test Australia-wide).

Dimension stone testing and evaluation

Build confidence in your stone product and be assured of its fitness for use. Appropriate testing will determine the properties of the material and give you insight into thickness requirements for various paver formats for it to meet relevant industry standards or load requirements.

Finishes evaluation

The Finishes Evaluation Department encompasses slip resistance testing, stain resistance testing and sealer evaluation (among other relevant tests). When it comes to selecting a stone finish, there is far more than aesthetics to take into consideration. Our materials testing specialists can help you match the right products with your project, and create flawless surface finishes that are fit for purpose.

Ceramic tile testing

Whether you’re a designer, manufacturer, supplier or builder, our ceramic tile testing services provide reliable data and relevant insights for the benefit of your product or project. We provide comprehensive testing of ceramic tiles, including tiles for use on pedestals (pods).

Mineralogical examination

Stone Initiatives can facilitate testing to analyse the composition of any dimension stone. Our specialist technicians can perform a wide range of mineralogical tests to analyse your dimension stone for the presence of naturally occurring asbestos minerals, crystalline silica, or other potentially deleterious mineral components.

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Facades and cladding surfaces

We provide independent testing of facade and cladding surfaces that utilise natural stone. Appropriate testing conducted by experienced technicians validates engineering calculations and assists architects, engineers and other stakeholders in ensuring that their proposed facade or cladding surface is fit for purpose.

Heritage services and mortar testing

Stone Initiatives specialises in the testing and evaluation of building stone and related materials such as historical coatings, mortar and cement products. Working alongside heritage architects, we carry out trials and perform a range of on-site and in-lab testing.

Failure investigation and expert witness services

We provide objective and independent Expert Witness services related to the selection, installation and use of stone products and related infrastructure. Our testing is backed up by an externally audited quality-assurance system, providing added confidence in court.

New construction

When dimension stone is used for building construction without full knowledge of its properties, problems such as cracking, spalling, staining and decay can occur. The natural variation and uniqueness that makes the stone so appealing can also bring about variability in physical properties. We can help.

How is stone evaluated?

At Stone Initiatives we spend time upfront learning about your project and the stone product to be evaluated. This important step gives us a solid understanding of what we are testing, at what thickness and size, for what and where it will be used, and what you’d like to achieve by using this particular type of material.

Representative sampling is very important – if we’re testing your product for a particular project, it’s best to test from a batch that is going to be used, at a relevant thickness and finish. Ship your samples to our NATA-accredited laboratory in Adelaide, or we can perform some tests on site in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, across Australia and internationally.

Product evaluation experts

With decades of knowledge and experience in product testing and evaluation services, we’ve developed a suite of in-house testing methods to help determine fitness for use. These include various tests for strength, water absorption, slip resistance, abrasion resistance, stain resistance, durability and petrographic examination.

We also choose relevant tests from the range of Australian and International Standards that are most appropriate for your job, taking into account your specific project specifications. Once the testing has been completed, we work with you to ensure you understand what the test results mean and how you can use the results for the benefit of your product or project. Learn how our stone testing and evaluation services can support your project – get in touch.

Announcement of new leadership team

February 3, 2025April 13, 2026by mrymnn

From 1 February 2025, the board of directors of Stone Initiatives is comprised of Thomas Baggs, Mark Milevski and Kate Tonkin. Each brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and together they are committed to upholding the company’s high standards and client-focused approach to…

Snapshot: Mark Milevski, Co-Director

February 3, 2025February 3, 2025by mrymnn

From collecting rocks as a child to working on some of Australia’s most valued heritage structures, Mark Milevski shares a snapshot of his journey with natural stone. Get to know Mark, Co-Director and Materials Testing Specialist (Heritage Services) at Stone…

Snapshot: Kate Tonkin, Co-Director

February 3, 2025February 4, 2025by mrymnn

From netball courts to luxury hotels, Kate Tonkin has evaluated all types of flooring and surfaces right around Australia. Get to know Kate, Co-Director and Materials Testing Specialist (Finishes Evaluation Services) at Stone Initiatives. What inspired you to work in stone and materials…

Snapshot: Thomas Baggs, Co-Director

January 28, 2025February 3, 2025by mrymnn

With specialisations in failure investigation and mineralogical testing services, Thomas Baggs is a keen problem solver who enjoys a challenge. Get to know Tom, Co-Director and Scientific Officer (Finishes Evaluation Services) at Stone Initiatives. What inspired you to work in…

A new chapter: Founder Jim Mann retires

January 28, 2025January 31, 2025by mrymnn

Jim Mann, founder of Stone Initiatives and one of Australasia’s foremost experts in stone, has made the decision to retire. Since 2003 Jim has been a driving force behind the company’s success, sharing his unique technical knowledge and experience with…

Expert Q&A: Slip testing for netball courts

November 29, 2024April 13, 2026by mrymnn

Materials testing specialist Kate Tonkin answers what you need to know about slip resistance testing for netball courts – from tips on reducing the slipperiness of a court, to guidance on testing frequency and when to consider resurfacing. What slip resistance standards…

I consider Stone Initiatives to be respected industry leaders in their field. My experience working with them has been personal, efficient and informative. The quality and detail of their technical reports are excellent and the turnaround response timeframes are prompt.

On occasion we have asked for industry-specific advice regarding our marble products, particularly when working on large commercial projects, and Stone Initiatives is always willingly share their knowledge. The technical articles on the website are informative and useful resources, too.

Carolyn Spralja, Contractor/Developer, Cairns Marble

I have had many dealings with Stone Initiatives over the years and in all cases, Mark Milevski has taken time to guide me through the various forms of materials analysis that are performed on the sample we sent for testing. He explains the process and results sought for accurate findings on the material, so we can deliver a report to our client which I can confidently discuss with them. Mark has taken the time to assist in each case to suggest best locations for sample extraction and quantity or volume required on projects on which we are working, always heritage buildings. The reports delivered are detailed and comprehensive but done in a way that I and my clients can easily understand – layman’s language. These days it is almost a refreshing change to engage with someone in a highly specialized field who will provide the time and easy conversation.

Kent Roxborough, Director, Stone Australia Pty Ltd

I have had the pleasure of working with Kate Tonkin and the team at Stone Initiatives on several occasions. Kate consistently went above and beyond to ensure the success of our project, providing expert advice and troubleshooting solutions during some challenging moments. Her professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail stood out, and she made the entire process seamless and stress free.

Leeann Ksiezak, Centre Manager, The Parks Recreation & Sports Centre

I can’t stress how important practical advice and detailed descriptions of results are. Many organisations complete the test, hand over your results and leave you to it … they are practically impossible to interpret. This is where Jim and his team excel. I’m never been left scratching my head or feeling stupid for asking even the most elementary question.

Jim and his team are always willing to spend significant time giving practical advice. It gives us real confidence in our stone collection and the ability to convey accurate information to our customer base. If maintaining timeframes, accuracy, transparency, positive communication and sound professionalism are important to you, Stone Initiatives is our only recommendation.

James McCarthy, Co-founder, Gather Co.

The testing specialists

Testing and analysis services