What type of rocks are decorative rocks?
Decorative rocks, also known as landscaping rocks, are types of rocks used for decorative purposes in landscaping and gardening. The most common decorative rocks include river rocks, lava rocks, granite, marble, and quartz. The choice of decorative rocks depends on the desired aesthetic, durability, and budget.
Quick Answers
– The most popular types of decorative rocks are river rocks, lava rocks, granite, marble, and quartz.
– River rocks are smooth, rounded rocks found in riverbeds and shorelines with natural color variations. They are a budget-friendly option.
– Lava rocks have jagged and porous textures from volcanic eruptions. They provide a dramatic, rugged look.
– Granite is an igneous rock known for its sparkly specks, comes in grays, pinks, and whites. It is harder and more durable.
– Marble is a metamorphic rock made up of recrystallized minerals, available in white and colorful patterns. It is softer and needs sealing.
– Quartz is an abundant mineral found in natural formations with glittery and translucent qualities. It adds shine and brightness.
What Makes a Good Decorative Rock?
The best decorative rocks have some key qualities:
Aesthetic Appeal
Decorative rocks are first and foremost used for their visual appeal. Unique colors, interesting textures, and striking patterns make rocks pop in landscaping. River rocks in natural grayish hues or quartz that sparkles can complement plants and hardscapes.
Durability
Durability ensures decorative rocks last outdoors. Harder rocks like granite resist weathering and wear better underfoot traffic over time. Softer rocks like limestone are prone to scratches and erosion.
Affordability
Price and availability factor into decorative rock selection. River rocks and lava rocks tend to be budget-friendly in abundance. Rarer igneous and metamorphic rocks like marble and quartz carry higher price tags.
Purpose
The functional use also determines appropriate rock types. Larger boulder rocks work better for rock walls or erosion control. Smooth pebble rocks help finish off pathways, while shredded rocks excel as ground cover.
Climate Suitability
Consider the climate and environment. In wet climates, porous rocks can hold moisture and require drainage. In drought-prone regions, smooth rocks reflect heat better than dark volcanic rocks.
Popular Types of Decorative Rocks
| Type | Features | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| River Rocks | – Smooth and rounded shaping from river tumbling – Natural gray, brown and beige colors – Budget-friendly – Laidback, earthy aesthetic |
– Ground cover – Borders – Accent for gardens and ponds – Drainage filler |
| Lava Rocks | – Jagged and porous from volcanic eruptions – Black or dark gray coloring – Dramatic, rugged texture – Can retain heat |
– Accents in xeriscape landscaping – Contrast to greenery – Fire pits and barbeque areas – Drainage filler |
| Granite | – Speckled igneous rock – Grays, pinks, and white colors – Polished or unfinished – Withstands weathering and foot traffic – Resists erosion |
– Boulders – Countertops – Stone walls – Patios and pathways – Accent boulders |
| Marble | – Metamorphic rock – White background with gray, pink, red veining – Softer and etched by acids – Needs sealing |
– Focal point boulders – Accent sections in patios – Gardens and ponds – Withstands some foot traffic |
| Quartz | – Abundant natural mineral – Found in large crystal formations – Glittery and translucent – Withstands weathering |
– Shiny accent rocks – Pool rock beds – Mix with river rocks – Sparkling ground cover |
River Rocks
River rocks, also called pebbles or cobblestones, are a popular choice for all types of decorative projects. These rocks have naturally smooth, rounded, oval shaping from being tumbled in riverbeds and along shorelines over time. The water action polishes river rocks into an ideal size and shape for landscaping needs.
River rocks come in a variety of natural grayish-brown and beige hues that complement all types of landscaping. The organic colors and textures provide a laidback, earthy aesthetic to designs. They are a budget-friendly option since river rocks are readily available across the country.
Uses
River rocks have versatility for all kinds of decorative landscaping applications:
– Scattering across yards, gardens and pathways as ground cover. Their rounded shape provides a walking surface kinder to feet than sharp gravels.
– Lining flower beds, gardens, and ponds. River rocks contain weeds while enhancing the natural feel near greenery and water.
– Building up rock borders, barriers, and divisions between landscaping zones. They create organic dividers between sections.
– Filling in drainage areas. River rocks allow water flow through while preventing erosion issues.
– Adding accents around trees, fountains, and yard fixtures. A touch of river rock complements other landscape elements.
River rocks work with both gravel and mulch in the same spaces. Combine different sizes and shapes for visual interest. Mixing river rocks with other materials like quartz brings contrast.
Lava Rocks
Lava rocks, also called volcanic rocks or scoria, get their dramatic textures and colors from volcanic eruptions. When lava solidifies above ground, it forms a rock with an airy, bubbly composition filled with small cavities and openings. The porous, jagged nature results in dark gray and black rocks perfect for striking accents.
The cavities make lava rock much lighter in weight than expected. But the porous structure also provides ideal drainage. Rain and melting snow flow right through the small holes, preventing accumulating wetness issues.
Areas with natural volcanic activity often utilize abundant local lava rock. But landscape supply stores sell lava rocks sourced from volcanic regions across the globe for anywhere needing that rugged, rocky look.
Uses
The bold, rugged nature of lava rocks makes them ideal focal points amid softer landscaping:
– Mixing lava rock boulders or pathways amid greenery and florals creates a dramatic contrast.
– Using lava rock borders and beds in xeriscape landscaping provides an arid, desert feel with minimal maintenance.
– Adding lava rock sections and accents to fire pits, fireplaces, and barbeque areas enhances the natural fire theme.
– Allowing water to trickle over lava rock water features mimics the flowing lava look.
– Filling the bottoms of planters and tree rings with lava rocks improves drainage.
The porous nature and darker coloration of lava rock can retain heat. This helps with ice melting but can also overheat surrounding plants. Allow for plenty of shade and airflow.
Granite
Granite is an extremely hard, durable igneous rock ideal for decorative uses where longevity and strength matter. Compressed volcanic minerals and granite form as plutons underground. The signature speckled sparkling pattern comes from embedded mica flakes throughout the silicon dioxide crystal composition.
Granite comes in shades of gray, from nearly white to dark charcoal. Pink and red granites occur where trace iron, magnesium or copper reside in the stone. The crystals that form granite erode into sand over time, creating fine sparkling sands. Polishing granite produces a smooth, glossy surface.
Uses
Granite’s durability suits many structural landscaping purposes:
– Massive granite boulders serve as striking focal points and anchors amid plantings.
– Building retaining walls, barriers, foundations, and fencing with weather-resistant granite blocks.
– Crafting countertops, benches, steps, and formal paths from granite slabs and tiles.
– Mixing granite gravel, cobbles, or boulders into informal walking paths or mulched beds.
– Using granite chips for grout filler between patio paving stones and pathways.
– Installing accent boulders along property lines, gardens, or pools.
Properly sealed granite withstands decades of harsh weathering, foot traffic, standing water, and temperature extremes with minimal erosion. The natural textures and veining patterns hide accumulated dirt well. Granite’s fame for permanence makes it ideal for memorials and civic monuments.
Marble
Marble forms from metamorphic processes acting on limestone, creating an attractive rock used as elite decor for centuries. Recrystallization under heat and pressure transform soft sedimentary limestone into shining, swirled marble. Tiny mineral deposits lend marble its signature veining patterns in gray, brown, rust red, and cream.
Pure white marble comes from very pure concentrated limestone sources. But most marble occurs in organic patterns, shaded background colors, interesting fossil traces, and eroded roughness adding artsy uniqueness. Marble tiles, slabs, and boulders work beautifully with natural themes and water features.
Uses
Marble’s softer composition requires consideration:
– Small accent pieces along formal pathways add elegant flourish without heavy wear.
– Marble tiles or slabs work for patio sections, stairs, or ornamental walls with proper sealing.
– Larger sculpted marble statues and focal point boulders make artistic statements in garden designs.
– Adding marble chunks or pebbles around pond perimeters dresses up the edges.
– Use indoors for countertops, backsplashes, floors or walls in low-traffic areas.
While marble withstands some foot traffic, its softer nature shows scratches and etching from acidic substances. Annual sealing helps protect marble’s vulnerability to staining or corrosion. Marble has an upper-crust reputation for luxury, especially for indoor decor and art.
Quartz
Quartz is a mineral found abundantly in natural rock formations, distinguished by its glittery crystalline patterns and translucent qualities. Made up of silicon and oxygen, quartz makes up 12% of the earth’s crust, second only to feldspar. Quartz crystals grow in clusters or drusy crusts on many types of rock.
The sparkling semi-transparency of quartz provides brilliant pops of light. While often clear or cloudy white, trace metals lend quartz hints of purple, yellow, brown, red, or gray. Quartz proves resistant to both mechanical abrasion and chemical weathering, retaining its shine. Pieces catch and reflect sunlight beautifully.
Uses
Quartz brings light and shine to all types of landscaping:
– A mix of quartz pebbles with river rocks brightens up borders and walking paths with sparkling accents.
– Placing drusy quartz clusters and points within flower beds adds natural sparkle.
– Line the bottom of pools or ponds with quartz stones to mimic sandy beach shores.
– Use as ground cover in xeriscape gardens for pretty, drought-resistant filler.
– Combine crushed quartz with paving stones between gaps as an alternative to gravel.
– Add quartz pebbles to glass vases and concrete planters to encrust with crystals.
With so many natural variations, quartz complements water, stone and greenery alike for glimmering focus. Quartz gravel stabilizes ground cover with long-lasting durability against weathering.
How to Choose Decorative Rocks
Follow these tips when selecting decorative rocks for landscaping projects:
– Decide on the aesthetic goal and overall look for the space. Match rocks accordingly.
– Determine the functional use, such as ground cover, borders, accents or structural features. Pick appropriate rock sizes, weights and shapes.
– Consider the climate and setting. Porous lava rock suits dry climates. Smooth river rock withstands wet weather better.
– Compare options and availability regionally. Often local quarries offer affordable pricing on indigenous rocks.
– Factor in maintenance needs. Softer rocks require more sealing and care compared to hardy granites.
– Evaluate costs per yard or ton. Bulk orders usually offer discounts compared to bagged amounts.
– Inspect rock samples if possible. Photos may not show color variations, textures, or size consistency.
– Plan ahead the equipment needed for transport and lifting. Larger boulders require machinery.
– Test installation scale by laying out rocks in the planned space before final placement and spreading.
Taking time upfront to select the perfect rocks results in an easy-care, cohesive look that lasts for years of enjoyment.
Conclusion
Decorative rocks lend beauty, texture and functionality to all types of landscaping. From river rocks to quartz, granite to lava rock, the choices blend form with function. Composition determines the longevity and maintenance needs of each rock type for desired placement. With the range of natural colors, shapes and composition, decorative rocks boost aesthetics in any outdoor space or garden when thoughtfully incorporated. Knowing the qualities and best uses of popular varieties allows designing and building landscapes full of character.