A process for manufacturing a block of material that imitates natural stone. The manufactured stone not only looks and appears like natural stone, but is also consistent with the composition of natural stone. The process comprises forming an aqueous mixture of limestone aggregates, treating the mixture with carbon dioxide under pressure and then highly compressing the treated mixture in a sealed mold. This process recreates the endogenous matrix of the natural stone and its original composition. The block of material is intended for construction and decoration purposes.