split; break; crizzling
Synonyms in English
Cracking occurs when there is a failure in material secondary to chemical change, mechanical, or environmental stress. Cracks are found in objects, image surfaces, and supports and can affect one or more layers of material.
A crack can be in a straight line or branch outward with no loss to the object. (NPS 1996) However, a crack creates an inherent weakness in an object, leaving it vulnerable to further damage.
Wood, an organic material, is porous and composed of cellulose. Cellulose is an insoluble molecule that attracts water. Frequent fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity cause wood to warp and crack. (Long 2000)
Glass and ceramic are composed of materials that are hard and unyielding, leaving them vulnerable to physical damage such as cracks and breakage. (Little 2000)
In ceramics, cracks can be difficult to see, while undermining the objects' stability.
When the material used to compose glass becomes unstable, a fine network of cracks known as 'crizzling' can be seen on its surface. (Little 2000)
Cracks in stone may be caused by weathering, inherent flaws, rusting pins or dowels, repair mortar that is too hard for the stone, vibrations from earthquakes, fire and frost (Vergès-Belmin 2008).
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