When it comes to a natural stone such as marble, it’s worth understanding the difference between a fissure and a crack in the surface. And that’s because you’ll then know what action to take, if any, to rectify the problem.
What is a fissure?
One of the key points to note is that a fissure is a naturally occurring feature in the stone. It doesn’t alter the plane of the surface of the stone.
And one good way of checking whether something is a fissure is to run a nail across it – if it doesn’t catch, it is indeed a fissure.
Alternatively, shine a light on the stone – a fissure will only have a single point of reflection as the surface is even, while a crack will have two points of reflection.
Are fissures acceptable?
Well, that depends to an extent on the look you want to achieve. So if, for example, you’re after a more rustic look, fissures will be fine to leave where they are.
And they’re not considered to be defects, or flaws; indeed, they can enhance the character of the stone. What’s more, rather than being localised, fissures tend to be spread out across the whole slab.
It’s important to remember that fissures don’t alter the stone’s integrity; they’re part of its character.
What is a crack?
A crack is a line on the surface of the marble, granite or other type of natural stone so that it splits without breaking into separate parts.
Cracks typically arise after the stone has had stress or trauma applied to it. And a crack can go nearly all the way through the material. However, by installation time, the manufacturer will usually have addressed the issue and so you won’t; have to worry about it.
And the other thing to appreciate is that, more often than not, cracks confine themselves to a single area of a piece of stone.
What can you do about cracks?
Clearly, don’t even think about buying a piece of natural stone if you notice it has cracks in it. If the issue develops post-installation, get someone to have a look at it immediately. This is really a job for a professional, so don’t be tempted to rectify it yourself. And it’s important to act promptly. The issue could otherwise worsen. A marble care expert will know what to do, as will a granite repair specialist.
Contact us
Royal Stone Care, with its HQ in London, works in businesses and homes across the capital and outside. So learn more today about our specialist marble crack repair services.
