How to Tell the Difference Between Damage and Imperfections in Natural Stone

Q. I am purchasing natural stone countertops, and I am concerned that I might not recognize the difference between naturally-occurring imperfections and unnatural damage. Can you provide some resources to help me make a good decision on my purchase? I'm willing to go with a stone that has less personality, if it also has less worries.

A. Thanks for contacting us. We can recommend two articles that will educate you and help you make an informed decision. The first is Crack or Fissure: What's the Difference? and the second is Perfectly Imperfect: Understanding and Embracing the Unique Characteristics of Natural Stone on page 22 of the Winter 2019/20 Edition of SurpHace BUZZ magazine. Make sure if you decide to purchase a slab that you feel may be potentially problematic that you and your fabricator have a clear understanding of expectations in writing.