Thank you so much for your response @GN Builders L.L.C. We specified an extra wide mortar joint - we saw this stone with the wide joints on another home and really liked the look. The picture you posted looks beautiful as well.

We hoped the gray mortar between the stone would tie in with our brick (the brick formula changed and it arrived much more gray than the sample/other homes we had viewed with the same brick) so with the mortar not lightening, it is even more frustrating!

I will certainly try to have some patience and see if the mortar lightens after a few warm, dry days. I wondered if the extra wide joints might cause longer drying times.

Colors affect each other in how we perceive them... the same mortar will appear to be one color when it's next to the reddish stone, and a different color when it's next to the brown/grey stone in the gable area.

What does the mason say?

I have only spoken to our contractor, not the Masons specifically. We are meeting with them tomorrow morning to go over some other things. I'm hoping it's still drying, but after a week and it looking the same for the last 5 days, I'm afraid this is it. 😳

@party_music50 - I'm going to show you another picture so you can see the mortar up close. It is certainly a change in mortar color.

I think GN is right.

Mark, if the mortar doesn't dry any lighter, what would you suggest to your owners? I'm curious as to what the masons will say tomorrow, too. I've seen the stains on the market. I definitely don't want a botched DIY job on a new build. 🤦‍♀️

If the mason is experienced, I would recommend their advice. If they do not have a viable solution, look for a good landscaper.