Versatile Stones for Modern Gardens
By Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Granodiorite to quartz monzonite
Other Name(s):
Midnight blue decorative stone, blue granite chippings, silver blue granite, blue chipping, silver blue granite gravel, blue granite gravel
Overview
This encyclopaedia listing aims to detail the key specifications, benefits, and many applications of blue granite chippings. Also known as silver blue granite chippings due to their flecks of silver, they are a unique and economical decorative aggregate for garden design.
This page also serves as a portal to an array of resources, including a list of similar alternatives, articles for inspiration covering fundamental design principles as well as a variety of do-it-yourself instructables for numerous blue chipping stones applications.
Specifications
Size Range
6-20mm (0.15-0.8″)
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play areas
Price
Economical
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
Yes
Eco-Friendly
Natural
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Neutral
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates like blue chipping stones offer many benefits that account for their popularity in garden and landscape design. They are low maintenance, provide excellent drainage, deter weeds, and add visual interest and texture to outdoor spaces.
Blue granite chips lend a unique contemporary aesthetic with striking blue and silver hues, creating a compelling background. They are great for creating modern designs and offer versatility for use in water features and ponds due to their fish-friendly nature.
- Inhibits weeds
- Improves drainage
- Hard-wearing
- Eco-friendly, sustainable
- Low-maintenance
- Moisture retention
- Versatile all-rounder
- pH neutral
- Quick space transformation
- Safe for aquatic life
- Root protection
- Easy to lay
Applications
Blue granite stones are ideal for a range of applications, including garden paths, driveways, water features, and as a stone mulch in plant beds. Their bright colour and angular shape create a beautiful effect and add a contemporary flair to garden designs.
In the following section, we list many of the common blue granite chippings uses, although it is not an exhaustive list. Wherever there is a hyperlink beside an item, an article from Outdoor Aggregates about the topic is available.
Informational & Inspirational Articles
- Gravel paths in gardens
- Gravel for driveways
- Stone chippings for driveways
- Gravel for garden borders
- Edging for gravel
- Gravel mulch
- Gravel for rockery
- Patio gravel ideas
- Creative uses for leftover decorative gravel
- Ideas for small gravel gardens
DIY-Friendly How-To Guides
Need to work out how many stone chippings your project needs? Try our free gravel calculator.
Other Applications
Some other excellent applications for blue granite chippings include:
- Base for terrace, patios or outdoor seating areas
- Art and crafts
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that blue granite chippings are not suitable for:
Maintenance
Blue granite chippings are generally low maintenance, especially when a heavy duty membrane is installed underneath to suppress weeds, with most work limited to the occasional removal of debris. Occasional power washing is advisable to maintain the original colour and prevent algae or moss buildup. Natural quarry materials also may have dust, which should be hosed off with water at the time of installation.
For areas with heavy footfall, such as paths or footpaths, replenishment of chippings may be required over time to maintain depth and coverage. For more on how to clean stone chippings, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
When purchasing blue granite chips, consider the size and quantity necessary for your project. Where available, it is cost-effective to request a sample to assess the stone’s colour and quality against your design requirements. Also, consider the size you’ll need; for instance, 20mm blue granite chippings are typically used for driveways, while smaller 10mm blue granite chippings are better suited to footpaths.
Using our gravel calculator to get an unbiased estimate for your project needs is one of the best and easiest ways to get the right amount without the risk of shortfalls or over-spending – all you need is a few measurements of the space. Ordering bulk bags, delivered, is often more cost-effective than smaller quantities. Comparing prices and checking customers reviews can help locate a great quality product at the best price. Also, always ensure you consider the delivery aspects, especially the delivery driver‘s access to the site.
FAQs
What is blue granite and what is it used for?
Blue granite is a type of granite rock known for its distinctive blue and silver colouration, popular in decorative aggregates. It is used for decorative purposes in gardens and landscaping, like paths, driveways, and water features.
Are granite chippings good for driveways?
Yes, granite driveway chippings are durable and suitable for driveways, providing good traction and drainage.
Is gravel the same as granite?
Gravel is a general term for small stones or gravel, whereas granite refers specifically to a type of rock. Granite can be a form of gravel when crushed into small pieces.
There are many other varieties of stone chippings available for your project. Check out them out!