Looks like a crack all the way through, suspicious about the blue tape over it. Maybe Joe will be able to give you an idea of what you are looking at.

It's a continuation of the fissure that is to the right in your very close up picture. A bit of epoxy, and it will be stronger than the stone around it.

Did you pick the slab? Do you have a photo of the slab to see if fissure was there before fabrication?

Thanks-we did pick slab and were able to compare to photos we took of it. There was a fissure in that spot but it wasn't a crack. Fabricator stating that it's a fissure based on photos but we are calling him in to see it--it fails the "nail across the fissure" test--in multiple places the nail gets stuck, and it's worse in the small vertical part where it is in the sink.

If a fabricator gets a slab without a crack and cracks it on fabrication or transport what are your options typically? Also, given its location by the sink, is there a risk for water seepage and further damage?

It isn't an issue. Epoxy cures all.

Sorry Sophie, but these guys blew it when they installed that top and let the owner see the crack. Under no circumstances do you do this. If you see it before the homeowner, you get it the hell out of there and fix it at the shop, to hell with the schedule. Why? Because, like an animal cruelty video, you can never "unsee" something. They may have been able to pass off a proper repair then, now it's going to be tough.

THanks, Joe -- your comprehensive and helpful comment from earlier just appeared. We will follow all of your diagnostic suggestions tonight when we get home from work and let you know. The fabricator is planning on coming to see it himself on Thursday. I am happy we will be so prepared. I think they may need to replace the stone.

Sophie, I am curious why you think it should be repaired. If we had cabinets, appliances or tile installed with a large crack, I would think they would replace it entirely. Why for a counter would they just repair it when we purchased an intact and not cracked stone?

I personally would never accept it. As Joe said it will get ugly being there at the sink. If they had templated it in a lesser used area away from water maybe. I would have to say no thanks.

I don't have anything to add, but am curious as to how it will be handled. We looked at a quartzite sample that looks just like yours and fell in love but are definitely still learning more about the material before finalizing our selection.

MSSM:

One more thing, please. Put the 4' level against the front edge, spanning the crack to make sure the front edge is on plane.

Thanks-we realized we don't have a 4 foot level so we couldn't do everything. Here are photos under the sink and of the crack as it meets again.

MSSM:

Are there any mechanical fasteners holding the sink?

Yes.