Natural Stone ..Fissures - Cracks - Chips - Bruises

Fissures occur naturally in many stone types. A fissure is defined by the American Geological Institute as an extensive crack, break, or fracture in the rock, which may contain mineral-bearing material. The term fissure is used commercially in the stone industry to describe a visible separation along inter-crystalline boundaries or the voids between mineral crystals. This separation may start and stop within the field of the stone or extend through an edge. A fissure differs from a crack in that it is a naturally occurring feature in the stone.

Cracks occur in stones as a result of mechanically induced stresses during handling, fabrication, transport, or installation. When cracks are detected in slab material prior to fabrication, the best method is to simply avoid them during the layout process. In stones with lesser soundness properties, this option may not be possible. When working with such stones it is common practice to repair cracks by cementing them together with epoxy or polyester resin. Repaired cracks are not indicative of defective product or workmanship. In fact, this practice is used sometimes used in the production of natural stone slabs, as a method of stabilizing very special exotic stone. This practice along with mesh backing greatly enhances exotic stone options.

Chips can occur in stones either as a result of sawing operations or handling. Chips may be repaired with epoxy or polyester resin if the completed repair is consistent in color and texture with unrepaired areas of the slab.

Bruises may be unexplained or caused by a sharp object hitting the surface. It is noticed as tiny spot in the surface that shows a divot. Chip filler is the normal go to with color matching. One may have success with supper glue drops followed by genital use of razor blade to removal of excess after a 24 hour cure time.