What couldve caused a horizontal crack on a chimney pot?

[Waffle123]

First of all, dont worry. Ive had the ridge tiles repointed already.

Just out of curiosity what could caused a crack like that? I live in Orkney and the chinney pot has been there a number of years so it's obviously solid enough to survive the wind up here. However, would it be worth while getting it replaced?

Thanks in advance.

 

[^woody^]

It's obviously only solid enough to withstand the wind for a certain number of years

Looks like it's been cracked for a long time, and perhaps it's too tall for that location

 

[datarebal]

Might be a sectional pot. Get a picture zoomed right in if you can