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Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 7:57 pm
by exoticpete
Hi all we are doing a patio using black basalt as an edging and steps and we experiencing some major issues with the stone, when the stone is dry it seems perfect but once you put water on it to clean it hair-line cracks within the stone become apparent, am I missing something ? Stone sourced from 2 different suppliers both getting the stone from china, we are handing the stone like glass
Any advice greatly appreciated
Peter
Posted: Sun Jul 28, 2013 10:33 am
by Tony McC
There shouldn't be hairline cracks in genuine basalt as it's a crystalline rock. Are you sure it's basalt? Got any photies?
Posted: Sun Jul 28, 2013 1:21 pm
by exoticpete
Hi Tony many thanks for the reply, its being sold as black basalt/Granite, it would be very hard to quality control as you only see the cracks when the stone is drying out and the moisture is drawn into the cracks, I will take some photos tomorrow, despite this it still is a stunning paving material.
cheers Peter
Posted: Mon Jul 29, 2013 11:13 am
by London Stone Paving
I would be very interested to see some photos of this Pete.
Posted: Mon Jul 29, 2013 6:36 pm
by exoticpete
Busy day so no photos, but I have been advised that they are not cracks but 'fissures' and do not affect the structural integrity of the stone I will endeavour to take some photos tomorrow
Cheers Peter
Posted: Mon Jul 29, 2013 7:10 pm
by Tony McC
The fact that the supplier isn't sure whether it's a basalt or a granite is worrying. Anyone with a basic knowledge of geology and/or stone supply should know this. It's aking to saying "it's a limestone/sandstone"". It's one or the other: it can't be both.
Fissures, cracks, crevices, grikes, call 'em what you will, but they are not usual in either granite or basalt.
Posted: Mon Jul 29, 2013 9:10 pm
by exoticpete
Hi Tony, sold as black basalt, and the 'fissures' do not crack or open up when hit with a rubber mallet could it be a form of veining ?
Posted: Fri Aug 02, 2013 10:34 am
by Dave_L
It could be bitmac..........it could be concrete.........:p
Posted: Fri Aug 02, 2013 1:59 pm
by London Stone Paving
exoticpete wrote:Hi Tony, sold as black basalt, and the 'fissures' do not crack or open up when hit with a rubber mallet could it be a form of veining ?
Post a photo Pete, so we can see.
I had a look at some of our basalt and its full of small veins which could be mistaken for cracks. A picture would help to clarify
Posted: Sun Aug 04, 2013 9:02 am
by exoticpete
Hi all all will endeavour to post a photo sometime next week, mentally busy at the moment
Cheers
Peter