Misty Blue Magic Decorative Stones
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Metamorphic Rock
Other Name(s):
Blue gravel, Everest blue chippings, pale grey and blue gravel, Everest blue, Everest blue stones
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Decorative gravels, like the beautiful Everest blue gravel, offer a unique and appealing way to embellish both outdoor and indoor spaces. With its unique blue and pale grey tones, Everest blue beautifully adds a stylish modern feel to almost any current landscape.
This comprehensive encyclopaedia listing concerns Everest blue gravel, a hardscaping 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.
Everest Blue Gravel Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stone | 10-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Neutral |
Material
Marble
Colour
Pale grey blue and white
Shape
Angular
Size Range
10-20mm
Everest blue 14-20mm, Everest blue gravel 20mm
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play surfaces
Price
High
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
Yes
Eco-friendly
Yes, they are generally made from the cut-offs of marble tiles.
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Neutral
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates like the ever-unique Everest blue gravel add a luxurious upgrade to garden aesthetics, whilst adding functionality. These blue angular stones are look great when they are wet, simultaneously providing practical benefits as a general landscaping material. These include as a natural form of weed control, moisture retention, and reduced maintenance. Their versatility makes them suitable for various landscaping designs, from rustic to modern.
As a fish friendly material, blue gravel works beautifully in water features and ponds were aquatic life will be safe to thrive. Everest blue gravel's angular shape ensures a stable surface, ideal for pathways and driveways. The rustic look of this gravel can complement both contemporary and traditional settings, making it a versatile choice for various landscaping projects.
Applications
Everest blue gravel is perfect for creating eye-catching pathways, driveways, and garden borders. Its unique combination of pale grey and blue hues make it a striking choice for water features and rockeries, where it can enhance the natural beauty of the surroundings. The gravel's size and angular shape ensure it's an ideal solution for providing texture and contrast in garden designs.
In the following section, we list many common blue gravel uses, although it is not exhaustive. 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 Everest blue gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that Everest blue gravel is not 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.
- 2Play surfaces
- 3Erosion 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.
Similar Alternatives to Everest Blue Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives Everest blue 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
blue-grey | 10-40mm (0.4-1.6") | flaky, flat | UK, USA, EU | |||
grey | Slate | 10-40mm (0.4-1.6") | flaky, flat | UK, USA, EU | ||
blue, silver | 6-20mm (0.1-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
black, grey, white | 40-60mm (1.6-2.4") | rounded | UK, USA, EU | |||
black, grey | Marble | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
Maintaining Everest blue gravel is straightforward. Regular raking can help retain its neat appearance, retain moisture and prevent weed growth. The occasional wash with a power hose is recommended to maintain the vibrant colour of the gravel. Using a heavy duty membrane beneath the gravel is also advisable for long-term maintenance ease.
For areas with heavy footfall, such as paths or footpaths, replenishment of the gravel may be required 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 Everest blue gravel, consider buying bulk bags for larger projects to ensure colour consistency and cost-effectiveness. Where available, it is cost-effective to request a sample to assess the stone's colour and quality against your design requirements. Be mindful of the size range (14-20mm) to match your specific landscaping project needs. Inquire about the source of the gravel if you want to ensure eco-friendly and sustainable practices.
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 in bulk bag or loose load is often more cost-effective than smaller quantities. Also, always ensure you consider the delivery aspects, especially the vehicle access to the site.
FAQs
What is black ice gravel?
Black ice gravel is a decorative aggregate known for its striking black and white colouring, often used in landscaping for contrast.
What colours does gravel come in?
Gravel comes in various colours, including grey, red, pink, blue, green and mixed hues, suitable for diverse landscaping themes.
Can you get grey gravel?
Yes, grey gravel is available and popular for its neutral tone that complements many landscape designs.
What is blue slate chippings?
Blue slate chippings are a type of decorative aggregate known for their deep blue colour, often used in gardens and pathways.
Can you drive on blue slate chippings?
Yes, but they are better suited for light traffic areas; heavy vehicles may crush them, affecting appearance and stability.
What is black ice stone?
Black ice stone is a form of decorative aggregate characterised by its glossy black appearance with white speckles, often used in modern landscaping designs.
What is blue gravel?
Blue gravel is a type of landscaping material characterized by its distinctive blue hue, often used for decorative purposes in gardens and pathways. It is typically made from crushed rock, such as marble, blue granite or slate, that naturally possesses a blue colouration.
