Are fissures on granite countertops a problem?
So, fissures will not of themselves impair or affect the performance or integrity of the stone and are not a worry regarding granite countertop hygiene. Fissures are not a problem... unless they crack. A crack represents a physical separation of the stone.
How can you tell if a stone is cracked or fissured?
When running your fingernail over a crack, your nail will not glide smoothly as there will be a noticeable unevenness. Another way to tell if you have a crack or fissure is by looking at the stone from a low angle, a crack will have two points of reflection whereas a fissure will have one.
What is a stone fissure?
- Holbrook Granite and Marble Fabricators and restoration contractors often get calls about cracks in natural stone countertops. Sometimes these "cracks" are not cracks at all, but fissures, a feature of the stone that resembles a crack.
What is the difference between a fissure and a crack?
A fissure is an elongated opening that is a natural geographical formation or caused by a mineralogical crystallization. On the other hand, a crack is a broken piece of stone: typically uneven, chipped, or widely separated. The complication comes from the possibility of a fissure developing into a crack if it is in a weak area of the stone.
What do fissures look like in granite?
Fissures look like small, hairline cracks in the polished surface of the slab. Fissures are most clearly visible in granite varieties that display large crystals like Verde Butterfly, Delicatus Gold or Marron Cohiba.
How do you fix a granite fissure?
Cracks and Breaks on granite can't really be fixed, what can actually be done is filling the cracks with epoxy or acrylic so that they don't show. If it's a broken piece of granite you want to mend, again, epoxy can be used to glue it together.
What causes fissures in granite?
Fissures are a result of naturally occurring phenomenon, such as geological and environmental forces, crystallization of minerals, and other conditions. Cracks are a result of man-made stresses, such as transport from the quarry to the fabricator or from fabricator to a residence or commercial facility.
Should granite countertops feel rough?
If you've been wondering, “should granite counters have rough spots?” the simple answer is no. Rough spots, cracks, and other imperfections can harbor bacteria in your counters, and when it comes to areas we eat, this is a big no-no. To ensure the smooth look and feel of your countertops, as well as their cleanliness.
Are hairline cracks in granite normal?
Sometimes a hairline crack may develop or occur during installation. Even with the best care, this can happen as granite is very heavy, rigid, and difficult to maneuver. But if the crack is not separated and does not have a lip, then it is usually not a problem.
What is the difference between a crack and a fissure?
Here's how: A crack is a broken piece of countertop that is most of the time, chipped, uneven, and widely separated and is usually the result of man-made stresses. On the other hand, a fissure is a part of the stone that resembles a crack, yet it is a result of natural geological formation or mineral crystallization.
Do granite countertops have imperfections?
While natural stone is famed for its distinctive beauty, imperfections in granite countertops and other stone surfaces can be a concern for some. For instance, prospective stone buyers might worry that the “flaws” in natural stone could take away from the unity and elegance of their design.
What are the disadvantages of granite?
Cons for Granite Countertops Granite countertops are strong and durable as long as it receives sealing each year. If homeowners are lax in their maintenance, the porous granite can suck up oils, juice, and wine, which will be impossible to remove. Bacteria can also harbor inside granite if not sealed properly.
Can granite crack after installation?
Cracks in granite are "normal" in the sense that they do somewhat commonly occur even with great care upon installation. Granite is very heavy, very rigid and hard to handle in the best of conditions.
Why does my granite not feel smooth?
The reason for gritty surfaces on granite kitchen countertops is most likely the fact that they were not correctly or completely finished in the first place. Granite slabs are finished and polished using specialized industrial equipment that produces the best possible finish for a particular slab.
Is granite rock smooth or rough?
Granites usually have a coarse texture (individual minerals are visible without magnification), because the magma cools slowly underground, allowing larger crystal growth. Granites are most easily characterized as light colored and coarse grained as a result of cooling slowly below the surface.
How do you smooth rough granite?
Use dry 300-grit sandpaper or #0000 steel wool for sanding granite by hand. Try using either item on an inconspicuous area first and buff gently and slowly. Then, dampen a soft cloth and clean the area. When it's dry, apply two coats of granite sealer, waiting 48 hours after applying the first coat.
What type of epoxy is used for granite?
Superclear countertop epoxy is a high-quality product that can be used on virtually any surface and with numerous additives. Superclear countertop epoxy is a high-quality product that can be used on virtually any surface and with numerous additives.
What is the best adhesive for granite?
The best glue for granite is the Loctite PL 530, which is a strong construction adhesive that can stick to polished surfaces. Because granite has various uses around the house, such as countertops or floor tiles, the specific project will determine which construction adhesive will work best for you.
How do you fill granite seams?
A: If you want to fix this yourself, you should pry out all the loose filler, then refill with two-part epoxy tinted to match the stone as closely as possible. Tape along both sides of the seam first so the epoxy doesn't smear over the stone surface.
How do you fill gaps in granite?
0:093:36Granite Chip Filling and Repair with Filachip - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm using a light brown or transparent Brown fill a chip which is a UV cured adhesive and theMoreI'm using a light brown or transparent Brown fill a chip which is a UV cured adhesive and the process takes about a minute to cure I just squirt a little bit of filler chip into the hole.
What is a fissure in stone?
A fissure is a naturally occurring characteristic of stone, which can be weak points and can crack open, but usually do not. The stone is still contiguous along a fissure. In other words, there is no separation within a fissure.
What is the color of a golden silver granite?
This stone is called Golden Silver granite and has rust, greys, and ivory colors.
What does a crack in a stone mean?
A crack represents a physical separation of the stone. It may be a hairline crack that may or may not be full thickness or it could visibly separate. Hairline cracks do not tend to be a problem and do not get worse unless you have foundation movement and/or they have or form a "lip" at some point.
Is it normal to have a slab of granite?
Granite countertop slabs with a poor finish like this do exist, but no it is not "normal" for them to actually be installed. Unfortunately, it sounds like you got a bad slab and likely a shady fabricator.
Can you refinish granite countertops?
It may be possible that an excellent stone restoration pro could re-finish, resin and re-polish your granite countertop to improve the situation, but it would likely be cheaper and easier just to rip it all out and start over.
Do fissures crack?
However, if the fissures do crack, then yes... the cracks would naturally change the equation and would be more prone to bacterial growth.
Is it normal for granite to be rough?
they just fall apart, etc. Same with bad granite... won't take a polish or polishes very poorly and can be gritty, rough or heavily pitted.
What happens when granite fissures are removed?
If they are overlooked, these visible fissures can eventually turn into separation in the granite.
Why is granite cracking?
One of the biggest problems with cracks in granite is that it ruins the protective seal against bacteria. If a fissure becomes a crack, the empty area can fill with all types of loose debris and make it easier for bacteria to thrive.
What makes a granite slab unique?
The natural characteristics contained in a slab of granite are the features that make it look unique. Fissures might appear similar to a crack in the countertop, but they’re not the same at all. Although you might be able to feel a slightly different texture in the area of the fissure, it isn’t a sign of weakness like a real physical separation.
Can fissures affect stone?
Fissures will not impair or affect the integrity of the stone. A fissure is a naturally occurring characteristic of stone, which can be weak points and can crack open, but usually do not. An actual crack is real a problem because it represents a physical separation of the stone.
How to tell if a stone has pits?
The visibility of pits on the surface of the stone depends for the most part on the angle it’s viewed at and the room's lighting. Many granite and marble countertop owners have had natural stone countertops for many years and have never noticed the presence of them. Pitting and fissures can be most visible where the natural stone receives more light such as a windowsill. These are typically viewed at a lower angle and with a stronger backlight.
What are the characteristics of natural stones?
All natural stones have a granular, crystalline structure, with an array of colors which are determined by the stone's particular mineral content, i.e., the quantity of quartz, various types of mica and feldspar minerals, which all affect the final color. Pitting is an intrinsic feature and part of the unique characteristics that make up each natural stone, and it bears repeating that their presence in no way impairs its durability or appearance. Additionally, they are not an indication of the stone’s porosity or staining issues.
What is pitting in stone?
Pitting is an intrinsic feature and part of the unique characteristics that make up each natural stone, and it bears repeating that their presence in no way impairs its durability or appearance. Additionally, they are not an indication of the stone’s porosity or staining issues. The visibility of pits on the surface of the stone depends for ...
When was the last update on natural stone?
Last updated on July 06, 2021. An ongoing issue in the natural stone industry is the difference between the customer’s expectation of the appearance of their countertops, and the surface texture irregularities that are inherent to natural stone surfaces.
Is fissured rock a structural defect?
All homeowners should be aware that they are in no way a structural defect. When any natural stone is polished, pitting and fissuring will inevitably occur. Also, due to the cooling and heating of the rock, after it has been formed, these fissures can be more or less obvious than others, but they are rarely completely absent.
Is quartzite a structural defect?
All homeowners should be aware that they are in no way a structura l defect.
Is Marble.com a quick turnaround company?
When it comes time to get the job done, our fabrication and installation teams have the equipment and expertise it takes to get your project cut and delivered the right way, every time. We at Marble.com are known for our incredibly quick turnaround, as we understand having countertops and other mainstays installed quickly and properly is important to our customers. We value your time, and our goal is to create the best work possible and have you enjoying it as possible.
What is a fissure in stone?
Fissures are elongated but extremely narrow openings along the boundaries of crystalline structures in the stone. The visible separation usually remains within the depth of the stone, although it sometimes can go entirely through. Fissures often appear in more than one place on the slab and are rarely straight.
What are cracks and fissures?
Fissures are a result of naturally occurring phenomenon, such as geological and environmental forces, crystallization of minerals, and other conditions. Cracks are a result of man-made stresses, such as transport from the quarry to the fabricator or from fabricator to a residence or commercial facility. Man-made stresses may also happen ...
What is crack in natural stone?
Sometimes these "cracks" are not cracks at all, but fissures, a feature of the stone that resembles a crack. How does one go about determining whether a countertop has a fissure or a crack? It all boils down to observation.
Why does my fingernail run smoothly over a crack?
Your fingernail will run smoothly over a fissure, because a fissure does not change the plane of the stone, and it does not cause any gaps or depressions in the stone. However, your fingernail will not run smoothly over a crack.
Why do people buy quartz?
Some people who purchase quartz, onyx, or other translucent stones under-light them to bring attention to fissures and other natural features. Cracks, on the other hand, are structural defects that can worsen over time and may harbor bacteria and contaminants.
Can cracks be straight?
Fissures often appear in more than one place on the slab and are rarely straight. Cracks can be narrow or wide, usually only appear in one place on the slab, and may go through the entire depth of the stone. Cracks caused by stresses during the installation process are commonly observed in straight lines near supporting structures.
Can a crack in a stone be uneven?
There will be noticeable unevenness, as one side of the crack is often higher than the other side. In other words, a crack can change the plane of the stone, and your fingernail will catch on the difference.
How to tell if a crack is a fissure?
Another way to tell if you have a crack or fissure is by looking at the stone from a low angle, a crack will have two points of reflection whereas a fissure will have one. Fissures are naturally occurring in stone and help to add character to your countertop, considering this, nothing should be done about them.
What are cracks in natural stone?
However, sometimes these “cracks” are not actually cracks, rather they are fissures, a natural feature of the stone that can resemble a crack.
Why does my nail not glide over a crack?
When running your fingernail over a crack, your nail will not glide smoothly as there will be a noticeable unevenness.
What is a crack in a stone?
Here’s how: A crack is a broken piece of countertop that is most of the time, chipped, uneven, and widely separated and is usually the result of man-made stresses. On the other hand, a fissure is a part of the stone that resembles a crack, yet it is a result of natural geological formation or mineral crystallization.
What to do if you notice cracks in your countertops?
If you notice a crack in your countertops, you should get in contact with a trained professional to restore it properly. If you have any questions, give Hard Rock Stone Works a call at (586) 532-7763 to speak with one of our stone specialists.
Can a fissure crack a stone?
However, sometimes a fissure may develop into a crack. In some cases, a fissure can affect the soundness of the stone although it’s rare. To spot a crack from a fissure there are a few different tests you can perform yourself to help spot the difference.
