Posted By Rock Stones & Pebbles , 8:00 am on January 15, 2023
Adding river rock to a fireplace isn’t a safe choice, which is why many designers avoid suggesting this to homeowners. Instead, you should choose stone fireplace materials that can safely absorb heat. There are various stone options that allow you to maintain the rock-based design. Some selections include beach pebbles, gems, and stone veneer. Here are some things to consider when it comes to putting river rock in a fireplace.
Dangers
River rocks typically contain water, which is why you should never use them in fireplaces. Although these stones are beautiful, the water in rocks that have been submerged in rivers can cause them to explode when they’re heated or placed near the high temperature of a fireplace. The explosions could cause them to chip, damage property, and potentially harm someone. The top river rocks to avoid include soapstone, limestone, basalt, and shale. Instead of these items, select other decorative stones or a variety of beach pebbles, from pure gold to green jade, mixed gold, and white pebbles.
Appearance
Visual appeal is one of the reasons to put stones, gems, and pebbles in a fireplace. The exterior of your property may resemble these stones, giving your house a warm and familiar tone. Natural materials are something many homeowners want, and beach pebbles surrounding the fireplace add to the natural feel. Instead of being limited to one color or texture, the different styles give you more to choose from when selecting the decorative rocks.
The sizes and shapes of beach pebbles also vary. Therefore, these materials can blend well and safely with the room and décor. For instance, if you have a wooden texture or a natural stone look in the room, adding mixed gold pebbles or stone veneer to the fireplace could accent the wood and make the property more visually appealing.
Surrounding
If you want to use river rocks, add fireplace stones to the surrounding instead of using decorative rocks that have formed in river beds. Stone slabs can be customized into any shape and size, ensuring your fireplace is unique and built to your liking.
Another plus to surrounding the feature with decorative rocks is durability. Using bricks on hearths could cause wear and tear more easily, forming chips and cracks that make the room lose its visual appeal. However, stones, beach pebbles, and gems can provide the soft, warm, and natural look you seek without the risk of explosions. These materials can absorb and radiate heat from the fireplace without damage, making them an ideal choice.
Longevity & Low Maintenance
These are two advantages to using the stones mentioned above in your fireplace. The beach pebbles and other materials pair well with most textures and can surround the fireplace for many years without losing their luster. The natural stones also require less dusting or polishing, allowing them to maintain their allure without all the maintenance. You can hire a professional to clean and restore the stones if they become discolored. However, a damp sponge or washcloth can wash away minor stains.
For advice on how to properly use decorative rocks, reach out to the experts at RS&P Rocks Stones & Pebbles, a premier landscape rock and supply superstore. We specialize in drought-tolerant landscaping materials, including a variety of colored river rock and Mexican beach pebble, including black polished pebbles. To learn how we can help you enhance the character and beauty of your outdoor space, call us today at (866) 380-0770.
FAQs
River rocks typically contain water, which is why you should never use them in fireplaces. Although these stones are beautiful, the water in rocks that have been submerged in rivers can cause them to explode when they're heated or placed near the high temperature of a fireplace.
Can river rocks withstand heat? ›
There are several reasons why you should never use river rocks for a campfire, with one of the most obvious being that they are often more porous and can contain water. When this water gets hot it creates steam and the rapid expansion can cause the rock to explode.
Is river rock fireproof? ›
okay, you really don't need to do that. With all seriousness though, it is very dangerous to use the actual river rocks! The real ones do, not just can, but do explode and shatter when exposed to constant and high heat.
Do river rocks absorb heat? ›
ROCKS GENERATE HEAT.
River rock and decomposed granite absorb the sun's radiation and retain it far into the night. Compared to organic mulches, rock can reach 140-170 degrees in the summer while woodchips or pine bark is a relatively 80-85 degrees.
How long will a rock hold heat? ›
When the rock is held under a coat or jacket, it can stay warm for about an hour and you can even walk around with it. Bed Warmer For a warm and comfortable night, heat large flat stone to about the same temperature as scalding hot tap water. Wrap it in tough cloth or clothing, and put it in your bed or sleeping bag.
What happens if a rock gets hot enough? ›
Rock can get hot enough to melt into magma during a volcano eruption, but it can also cool underground. The more slowly the magma cools the bigger the crystals inside the rock will be.
What is the best rock for a fireplace? ›
Perhaps the most popular option for a fireplace surround, granite is one of the most durable materials you can buy. It's extremely scratch resistant, unlikely to crack or chip, and it has good heat tolerance. Granite is suitable for gas or wood burning fireplaces.
What rock is fire proof? ›
Slate is a rock composed of quartz, mica, and chlorite. These minerals do not ignite with increasing temperature, they do not burn, although they do reach a point where they become liquid, they melt.
What rocks can go in fire? ›
Rocks. Not all rocks are suitable for use in a fire pit, so make sure you check the type of stone before using it. Porous or wet stone, such as sandstone or river rocks, may crack or explode when they reach high temperatures. Hard rocks like granite, marble or slate are suitable for use in fire pits.
What are the disadvantages of river rock? ›
Con #2: Some rocks can get absorb heat from the sun and get very hot, which can upset the surrounding soil and starve plants for water. Con #3: Over time, weeds may begin to grow underneath the rocks even with the use of weed barrier.
' As the stone heats up, the tiny spaces in between each grain can start to expand, forming microscopic cracks and an uneven surface. This is particularly evident in mica-rich stones, because mica is made up of thin sheets that are only loosely attached to each other in the first place. Fire damage on limestone.
Do rocks crack under heat? ›
When heated, this water expands rapidly, exerting pressure from within. This can cause rocks, particularly porous varieties, to shatter violently in a camp fire, sending fine, sharp pieces of rock shrapnel flying into the air.
What rocks can withstand heat? ›
Granite can withstand higher temperatures compared to many other rock types, and the heat transfers well through the rock making it good for cooking up different kinds of food, from meats, seafood, veg and dough based products. Granite can also withstand low heats too, meaning it can cope with being stored outside.
What temperature do rocks crack? ›
Thus, in cold regions when the temperature falls below 40C, the water content present in rocks expands. Due to this expansion of water or increase in volume of water, the rocks crack.
At what temperature does rock burn? ›
Most rocks melt at 800 to 1200 degrees C. Most rocks don't combust, which is what they would have to do to be 'burnt to ash'. Depending on how close to the Sun, yes. The atmosphere and oceans would boil away, then the surface of the Earth would start to liquefy.
What type of rock can withstand heat? ›
Granite can withstand higher temperatures compared to many other rock types, and the heat transfers well through the rock making it good for cooking up different kinds of food, from meats, seafood, veg and dough based products. Granite can also withstand low heats too, meaning it can cope with being stored outside.
What is the most heat resistant rock? ›
Amongst all natural stones, granite offers the best heat resistance.
How much heat can a rock hold? ›
Heat Capacity and Energy Storage
| Substance | Heat Capacity (Jkg-1K-1) |
|---|
| Average Rock | 2000 |
| Wet Sand (20% water) | 1500 |
| Snow | 878 |
| Dry Sand | 840 |
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