Stones for the sauna stove, which ones are better?
Before choosing a purchase, of course, you first need to find out and understand the basic indicators. Because this will determine how long the stones will withstand use.
The content of the article
Main characteristics
The stones should definitely be able to withstand even the highest temperatures with ease. In addition, have a uniform surface to protect surrounding people from various damages. As for the appearance itself, it is of medium dimensions with large parameters in weight. An impressive density is required to ensure the absence of cracks. These were the basic requirements described. Let’s take a closer look at the most significant of them and we can tell you how to choose stones for a sauna stove and which ones are better.
Durability
Of course, the important fact is that the stones will serve the bathhouse user for quite a long time. Ideally, this is if the figure reaches 10 – 20 years. If a stone can be easily, without any problems, broken with a five-kilogram sledgehammer, this will mean that it will not live long.
So the time period during which it can serve and perform its functions intact is directly related to sustainability. However, this characteristic will affect the cost of the product.You will have to choose for yourself what is best for you: buy it once for a quarter of a century, or buy a non-long-term option, but spend a small amount of money on it several times.
Heat capacity
An equally important component of the entire product characteristics. A significant requirement for stones from owners is the relationship between thermal output and rapid heating. In addition, it is extremely slow cooling and stress-resistant in situations with high temperature changes in the room.
These can be easily distinguished from similar rocks with low heat capacity by differences in appearance - massiveness, specific gravity and uniformity in structure. They are the ones who will perform the most important task in the bathhouse.
Health safety
This indicator is not inferior in value to the previous labels. Most people know that when exposed to certain stones, harmful and even dangerous substances can be released that can be harmful to health. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully select your future purchase.
Fortunately, there are breeds designed specifically for use in the bathhouse, namely:
- jade (durable mineral);
- jasper;
- chromite;
- quartz;
- dunite (igneous origin);
- jadeite (the only semi-precious one);
- porcelain;
- porphyrite (reproduces heat as quickly as possible);
- rodingitis;
- cast iron;
- soapstone (has healing properties);
- quartzite;
- shungite (has incredible technical indicators);
- gabbro - diabase (deep mountain variety).
In addition to them, river stones are used, however, when choosing on a budget, it is worth having special knowledge.
REFERENCE. Such products undergo natural processing - wind, sun, water.Most often they have an oval shape with a smooth surface. Only those listed are considered to be specially selected species for use in construction.
What stones to choose for a bath
So, to purchase stones, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Shape and size. As mentioned at the beginning of the article, they must be large, massive and powerful. If you take it for a heater, then you need a rounded appearance and a smooth surface. Based on these parameters, we can say that they are highly resistant to damage. This will promote better circulation than rough types. As for the second characteristic - size - it is from five to twenty centimeters. This indicator will be ideal for a bath.
- Appearance. There must be no defects of any kind. Otherwise, it will lead to lightning unusability.
- Of course, in addition to appearance, stability is important. It is great if, when heated, the stone cannot break off and cracks and holes will not form on it. Before purchasing, you should test it for strength: either hit it with a heavy object, or expose it to a temperature change, that is, dip it from a hot state into ice water.
REFERENCE. You can put the cheaper option in the lower part, and the most beautiful ones in the upper part. This will perform two functions - rapid heating and a decorative effect.
If we take into account all the points, then the river option is most suitable for a bathhouse.
IMPORTANT! The main thing is not to take limestone, sandy varieties, granite, which may be located near railways, as well as marine products.
A good example would be those collected in the field. There are excellent pebbles there.When choosing in a store, keep in mind that suitable products have an inscription stating that they have been tested. Choose only good stones for your bath.
River pebbles and boulders made of quartzite or homogeneous sandstone are the best option - no discharge and are the strongest of all, because they have been rolled and ground by water and stones for hundreds of kilometers.