granite crack vs vein in granite countertops

A. This can be tricky to determine. If it is a vein, it will generally run in the direction of the other viens in the stone. You should not be able to feel it. If it is a crack, it will appear unnatural as far as direction. In other words, if the veins are running in one direction and the crack is running perpendicular then you very well may have a crack. Also, cracks will be able to be felt by running your finger across them.

This unfortunately is more of a common problem than you might think. If you would like, I do offer a service through my professional consultation firm, Stone Forensics (www.stoneforensics.com), where I can examine photographs and prepare a letter on your behalf.

Dr. Fred

Chief Technical Director

www.stoneandtilepros.com

CRACK
A break, split, fracture, fissure, separation, cleavage, or elongated narrow opening, however caused, visible without magnification to the human eye and extending from the surface into the stone, through the gra in, matrix, or vein

GRANITE
A very hard, crystalline, igneous rock, gray to pink in color, composed of feldspar, quartz, and lesser amounts of dark Ferro magnesium materials. Black ’granites’ are similar to true ’granites’ in structure and texture, but are composed of different minerals

VEIN
A layer, seam, or narrow irregular body of mineral material different from the surrounding formation