skip to main content

Quartzite slab has massive crack...any experiences with this?

11 years ago

So in addition to the sink off center (see separate post) my quartzite came in and I have to figure out what I want to do about it.

First thing - the slab we saw of this (which they call Monte Bello quartzite) was leathered, and much lighter than this. For those of you who have had a polished slab honed...how much lighter does it get?

Second thing - there is a massive crack, which they didn't notice but I immediately did, running from the top edge middle-right in an arc through to the lower right corner. I actually think we might be able to cut around it, and by doing so, I would save a bit of dough since I would have to pay for part of the slab. Has anyone else done this? More importantly, should I be concerned that this is an indication that the material is unsound?

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

bodhi
11 years ago
Check out the end of Bee's thread on her new Super White for some of my own questions about cracks in quartzite. I recently put in some Super White of my own and had some subtle cracks that the fabricator swears are part of the stone and can happen easier with quartzite and some marbles. If its noticed before the fabrication I'd imagine you'd want to avoid it, but I'm no expert in that area.

Is it really a crack you can feel or is it just a vein running against the normal flow of the slab?

As far as honed vs polished. I strongly recommend getting a chunk of your slab cut off and have a piece of it honed and part of it polished. That really helped us decide and actually changed our minds after we saw it side by side. For us, we felt Honed would resist/hide the subtle etching more but might stain a bit more. On the other hand, polished will show etching easier, but is supposedly more resistant to staining since the sealant can create a more impenetrable surface. To the best of my knowledge those statements are true, but your experience may vary. If your stone is one that never etches then honed doesn't have as much as a negative. In our slab there are some clear-ish portions that really became cloudy with the honed look but are stunning in the polished finish. That really swayed us towards polished.
Related Discussions
I'm told leftover stone from a slab isn't mine--your experience?
Q
Comments (39)
Of course if someone buys a slab of stone they are going to think they bought a slab of stone. Common sense. I don't see or know people assuming they can store leftover material at a shop's warehouse (for free) or they are demanding (free) delivery of a large heavy remnant. All remnants are not large or unmanageable and some, say for a vanity or small table top, could just be loaded in someone's truck and stored at their house. It's really up to the customer if they have, in fact, paid for a whole slab. Someone here had a series of cutting boards made. I am willing to bet they expected to (pay) for it. And maybe they want the leftovers for their beauty, not their decreasing monetary value, so incurring a delivery charge for larger pieces is a nonissue. Whether the apparently cheap and ignorant customer ever uses it or not is really not anyone else's business. If the shop prices based on keeping leftover material, that should be disclosed so there is no confusion and people are on the same page who owns what and what the options are otherwise. There is really nothing unusual or demanding about such expectations and communication. It should be understood and in writing as a business' s SOP. People buy a slab ... they think it's theirs unless told otherwise. Fair enough assumption, imo.
...See More
A day late & a calacutta quartzite slab short (countertop woes)
Q
Comments (54)
Wow, your kitchen looks beautiful! I love your stacked cabinets with the glass doors on top, as well as those gorgeous counters. Having the stone surround for the sink set into the walnut was a great idea. I can't wait to see more pictures. What are you doing for the backsplash?
...See More
Kalahari Quartzite- anyone have experience with this stone ?
Q
Comments (16)
P, I think it must be a matter of where you live, because I had no problem getting a sample of Fantasy Brown quartzite, or any other quartzite to bring home to test. The texture that you mention on leathered is not so much that anything can get caught in it. I can put a piece of paper on the counter and write on it, and there is no effect on the writing. I went with the leathered finish as it is what the experts recommended for that stone, and with no issues in 2 years, they were right. I didn't want a shiny finish on my counter top.
...See More
Any experience with Palomino quartzite? Honed or polished?
Q
Comments (4)
Quick update for anybody else considering this countertop material.....I was able to get a sample of this and tested its resistance to staining/etching/discoloring. No issues with 409, windex (no-ammonia), acetone,or a hot pan placed directly on top. I sealed the sample. Left ketchup, mustard, red wine and coffee overnight. Minor stains from coffee and mustard. Very noticeable stains from red wine (bright purple) and ketchup, the worst being the wine. After some googling and experimenting, I discovered that the stains do come off if I make a paste from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, spread it over the stains, cover with plastic and leave it for an hour or more. However, I think I will look for a more stain-proof countertop. None of these substances stained the Santa Celia granite countertop in my kitchen.
...See More

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Stone Shows Massive Potential for Homes

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Wait, did we say 'massive'? Scratch that. With paper-thin veneers and wide color variety, stone has left the bulk of the past behind

CONCRETE Why Concrete Wants to Crack

By Matt Clawson

We look at the reasons concrete has a tendency to crack — and what you can do to help control it

KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS Kitchen Counters: Quartzite Offers Strength and Beauty

By Jeannie Matteucci

Eye-catching patterns and a natural pedigree make durable quartzite a popular alternative to granite and marble

MATERIALS 10 Modern Marble Looks

By Shawn Gauthier

Marble has broken free of the standard kitchen countertop slab and is showing up on bathtub backsplashes, modern dining tables and more

KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS Kitchen Counters: Granite, Still a Go-to Surface Choice

By Ivon Street Studio

Every slab of this natural stone is one of a kind — but there are things to watch for while you're admiring its unique beauty

TILE Why Bathroom Floors Need to Move

By By Any Design Ltd.

Want to prevent popped-up tiles and unsightly cracks? Get a grip on the principles of expansion and contraction

BATHROOM DESIGN Outfit Your Shower With the Right Bench for You

By Tiffany Carboni

Whether you want a simple perch or a massive seat in your shower, our guide can help

PATIOS Get the Details That Brought These 15 Patios to Life

By Annie Thornton

From a custom mural to a solid concrete slab built to look like tiles, these outdoor rooms don’t overlook the details or comfort

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Outdoor Style: Creative Ways With Classic Concrete

By June Scott Design

Have you cast concrete aside as being too dull or crack-prone? Learn about new design options along with the basics of using it outside

WHITE KITCHENS Before and After: Modern Update Blasts a '70s Kitchen Out of the Past

By Mitchell Parker

A massive island and a neutral color palette turn a retro kitchen into a modern space full of function and storage

Sponsored

More Discussions

Nuage Quartzite - any water issues?

14

hello , what are your thoughts on two tone countertops?

5

kitchen countertops

2

Kitchen remodel in my future

0

Matt tiles - quality issues out of the box

12