In natural stone quarries, massive size blocks are cut into large unbroken slabs using diamond-coated saws. These saws with diamonds ensure consistent and clean cuts through the stone.
How a particular block is cut can dramatically change the way the final stone product looks. Each natural stone forms over thousands of years when sediments gather and solidify into layers.
So, cutting along (vein cut) or across (crosscut) these layers results in extremely unique patterns. That’s when the real beauty of natural stone comes out - from distinct variations in colour and veining
For instance, if your eyes are set on luxurious marble tiles, it’s important to consider the cut and not just the colour. The read given ahead will take you through the journey of understanding the worth of cuts. Use this knowledge in buying the perfect stone that decorates your home.
What Is A CrossCut Stone?
To achieve a cross-cut or rift-cut, the stone is sliced at a perpendicular (90 degrees) angle to the bedrock. In simple words, the block is cut across the veins, exposing large fragments of colourful variations. These fragments appear in the form of floral patterns, spottings, crystals and more.
In a cross-cut stone, the layers create a more or less swirly or cloudy look. Take, for example, this Desert Brown Granite. You can see swirly patterns of light and dark brown specks. The colour variation from light to dark brown is intense. So, you can spot at least 8 to 9 shades of brown. And that’s the beauty of the cross-cut stone. It brings out a wide range of colour tones in a single slab.
What Is A Vein Cut Stone?
As the name explains, a vein-cut stone will always expose the long veins on a slab. The cut is achieved by cutting a stone block parallel to the bedrock or the bedding plane. The result will be veins running along the entire slab.
Vein cutting is the most traditional and widely known cut for marble tiles and slabs. Mercury Black Marble is one of the best examples to understand this cut. The vein cut stone displays lines or veins of compressed sediment in black and white colours with less colour variation.
The black marble tiles showcase a dramatic graphic pattern that is ideal for modern interiors. The linear pattern streaming along the slab can become the focal point of any design. Vein cutting in stones typically have the ability to offer unique bookmatching and quadmatching styles.
Which Cut Is Best For Your Interiors?
The answer really depends on which design or style you prefer for your home. As a matter of fact, both crosscut and vein-cut come from the same stone. They do not differ in terms of their qualities and how they will serve you over the years.
But yes, when it comes to look and feel, there is a visible difference.
CrossCut - For Softer Look
A cross-cut stone provides a softer look and feels. It is all because of the flowery or swirly patterns you see on the slab or tile. Moreover, it also features several colour tones that bring out a vibrant effect in the interior environment.
The petal-like patterns in Crystal Blue Granite give your interiors a garden-like effect. There are attractive black and blue specks on a blue background that easily becomes a favourite of the lovers of tiny floral-like patterns. Both the blue granite tiles and slabs offer the same look which goes with a variety of applications. You can use it as kitchen countertops, wall cladding or even granite floor tiles.
Vein Cut - For Focus And Expansion
Vein cutting stone exposes linear patterns that modify the flow of a space. If you are placing the stone slabs horizontally, the lines will visually expand space. This will make your room appear wider. Alternatively, if you are placing the same stone with lines flowing vertically, it will lift the eye upwards. This will make your room appear taller. As per design experts, vertical lines have the capability to lift the mind and the spirit.
Try to imagine this stunning Fantasy Brown Marble installed as a feature wall in your living room. And see what it makes you feel!.
Find The Balance
Remember, the key to applying pattern successfully in your interiors is balance. Too many linear patterns might make the room look boring. Also, too much of floral or whirly patterns here and there may overwhelm the space.
Hence, the best way is to spread the patterns around the room. For example, you can use cross-cut slate tiles for an accent wall while a vein-cut sandstone as a coffee table. Use larger patterns for larger space and smaller patterns for smaller space.
CrossCut And Vein Cut Stone Varieties At Quality Marble Exports (India)
With these descriptions and examples, now you know the difference between crosscut and vein-cut natural stones. So, go ahead and choose your favourite patterns for your interiors.
Quality Marble Exports (India) offers over 50 patterns and colour combinations for marble tiles, granite tile, sandstone tile, slate tiles and limestone tiles. So, you are sure to find the look and style that best suits your home.
That said if you are confused about what pattern is best for your home, the top granite suppliers and marble suppliers are here to help you out!