Moonlit Landscapes of Ethereal Beauty
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Feldspathic sandstone
Other Name(s):
Moonstone chips, moonstone flint gravel, moonstone gardens, moonstone flint, moonstone chippings, moonstone aggregate
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Moonstone gravel, also known as moonstone flint gravel, is a mid-priced and hard-wearing decorative aggregate known for its distinctive appearance and versatility in outdoor design. The mix of stones present soft grey, brown, black, and white hues that evoke the ethereal beauty of moonlit landscapes. This colour spectrum only intensifies when wet, occasionally revealing blues and other elements.
This is a comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about moonstone gravel, a hardscape and construction aggregate. It details the product's specifications, accompanied by photographs, and outlines its benefits, applications, and incompatibilities as a landscaping material. Additionally, this entry serves as a gateway to a wealth of DIY resources, with a list of comparable alternatives, articles offering design inspiration and fundamental principles, and a collection of straightforward, step-by-step instructions for constructing your own hardscaping features.
Moonstone Gravel Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flint | 10-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Neutral |
Material
Fint
Colour
Brown, grey, black and white
Shape
Angular to rounded
Size Range
10-20mm (0.4-0.8")
Moonstone 20mm gravel, moonstone gravel 20mm
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play surfaces
Price
Mid
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
Yes
Eco-friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Neutral
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates like moonstone gravel offer numerous advantages in garden and landscaping design. They are excellent for quickly and effortlessly transforming outdoor areas into low-maintenance, visually appealing spaces. Moonstone gardens help to ensure good drainage and moisture retention. Their versatility in design, and fish-friendly nature, allows for a wide range of creative applications, from paths to water features and ponds.
Moonstone gravel, with its distinctive creamy beige and white colours, is speckled black and occasionally accented by blue and plum tones, depending on the supplier's products. It is a popular choice for adding contrast to garden borders, paths and driveways. The angular shape not only creates a striking, coastal aesthetic, but also aids in stability and drainage, making it a practical choice for most landscaping.
Applications
Moonstone gravel is a light, beautifully versatile decorative aggregate, ideal for various applications in landscaping. It's particularly effective for creating an attractive driveway or garden path, which can be complemented by matching borders and other elements. As moonstone flint gravel is a fish-friendly product, it can be used in aquatic settings and terrariums to create a natural environment.
In the following section, we list many common moonstone gravel uses. Wherever there is a hyperlink beside an item, an article from Outdoor Aggregates about the topic is available.
Inspiration and Informational Articles
DIY-Friendly How-To Guides
Other Applications
Some other excellent applications for moonstone gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that moonstone gravel may not be suitable for:
- 1Areas with fine plantings: If you have creepers or low-growing plants in your garden gravel can make it harder for these plants to thrive, as it may interfere with their root systems as they try to grow.
- 2Erosion control: On steep slopes or areas with significant inclines, the loose nature of the gravel can make it prone to movement which can be problematic on slopes.
- 3Play surfaces
Similar Alternatives to Moonstone Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to moonstone gravel. They may offer you a more suitable variation on the primary colour, a more economical option, or a close substitute for cases where the base material may be unsuitable for the project you are creating, e.g. limestone is not fish-friendly, where slate is.
Name | Colours | Material | Size | Shape | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
buff, white | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
grey speckled | Granite | 3-20mm (0.12-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
pale yellow | 5-20mm (0.2-0.8") | angular | UK, USA | |||
black, white, grey, red | 6-20mm (0.25-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
golden, brown | Flint | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | rounded | UK, USA | ||
white | Marble | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
When used with weed control fabrics to suppress weeds, moonstone gravel can significantly reduce the time spent on garden upkeep, with most work limited to raking and the occasional removal of debris. It is recommended to occasionally power wash the product in order to maintain its original colour and prevent the buildup of algae or moss. Natural quarry materials may also have dust which should be washed off with water during installation. For areas with heavy foot traffic, such as paths or footpaths, replenishing the gravel may be necessary over time to maintain depth and coverage.
For more on how to clean gravel, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
When purchasing Moonstone gravel, consider the size options 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 different sizes; for instance, moonstone 20mm gravel are typically used for driveways, while smaller 10mm moonstone gravel is better suited to footpaths, where available.
Our gravel calculator will give you a quick and unbiased estimate for your project needs just by taking a few measurements of the space. It is one of the best and easiest ways to order the right amount and helps avoid shortfalls or over-spending. Purchasing a moonstone gravel 20mm bulk bag or ordering in loose loads can offer better value than purchasing in smaller quantities. Therefore, calculating accurately can save both time and money. It is also important to consider the delivery aspects, including vehicle access to the site. Additionally, you should check stock availability and factor in VAT and transportation costs if applicable.
FAQs
What is moonstone flint?
Moonstone flint is a type of moonstone gravel known for its unique creamy white colour with distinct black specks. It's a naturally quarried stone, predominantly angular in shape and actual size, making it a popular choice for decorative landscaping.
What is moonstone gravel?
Moonstone gravel is a decorative aggregate commonly used in gardens and decorative landscaping. It's known for its creamy colours with distinct black specks, offering an elegant appearance for garden paths, borders, and driveways.
How much will 850kg of gravel cover?
An 850kg bulk bag of moonstone gravel typically covers about 12-15 square meters (130-160 square feet) at a depth of 20mm moonstone and 40mm (1.6").
Is 10mm or 20mm gravel better for driveways?
20mm moonstone gravel is generally better for driveways as its larger size makes it more stable and less likely to displace gravel from under vehicles.
What do you put under gravel stones?
A weed membrane is recommended under gravel stones to prevent weed growth and ensure stability, especially for driveways and paths.
