the REAL Black Marble Gravel?
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Basalt
Other Name(s):
Basalt gravel, black stone gravel, charcoal gravel, black granite gravel, black garden gravel, black decorative gravel
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Black basalt gravel, also known as black stone gravel, is an economical and hard-wearing decorative aggregate of such high quality that it is often mistaken for marble. However, no aggregates made from black marble are available for use in landscaping design. Despite that, black basalt turns up in many decorative gravels, listed as marble. One advantage black basalt has over marble gravels is its neutral pH and, therefore, aquatic life-friendly nature.
This comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about black basalt 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.
Black Basalt Gravel Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Basalt | 6-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Neutral |
Material
Igneous rock
Colour
Deep charcoal grey to black
Shape
Angular
Size Range
6-20mm (1/4" - 3/4")
Black basalt gravel 10mm, black basalt gravel 14mm, charcoal granite 10mm, black basalt gravel 20mm
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play surfaces
Price
Economical
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
Yes
Eco-friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Neutral
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates like black basalt gravel offer numerous benefits in garden and landscaping design. They are a hard-wearing and versatile product, requiring minimal maintenance while providing a stylish, clean finish. These aggregates also help in moisture retention and weed suppression, enhancing the health and appearance of the garden.
Black basalt gravel is a natural product that provides a stunning contrast in garden settings, complementing modern and traditional architectural styles. Its dark grey, almost black colour enriches the garden's aesthetic, making it a popular stone for pathways and driveways, and as a topping material in flower beds.
Applications
Black basalt gravel products are suited to various landscaping and garden design applications. It's ideal for creating visually striking paths, driveways, and borders. Its dark colour contrasts dramatically, especially when wet. Its fish-friendly nature makes it perfect for ornamental water features and ponds that also form a home for your pet aquatic friends.
In the following section, we list many common black stone 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 black basalt gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that black basalt 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.
- 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 Black Basalt Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to black basalt 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
black, white, grey | 10-30mm (0.4-1.2") | angular | UK, USA | |||
black | 10-40mm (0.4-1.6") | flaky, flat | UK, USA, EU | |||
black | 10-50mm (0.4-2") | irregular | UK, USA, EU | |||
grey, black | Limestone | 6-40mm (0.2-0.8") | angular | 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
Black basalt gravel are generally low maintenance, especially when a heavy duty membrane is installed underneath to suppress weeds, with most work limited to raking and the occasional removal of debris. Occasional power washing of the product 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 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 basalt gravel, consider the size options and quantity necessary for your project. Due to the mechanical screening process, ensuring each bulk bag consists of a size that is consistent with your design requirements is essential. Therefore, where available, it is cost-effective to request a sample to assess the stone's size, colour and quality against your design requirements. Also, consider the different sizes; for instance, black basalt gravel 20mm is typically used for driveways, while smaller black basalt gravel 10mm is 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 order the right amount without the risk of shortfalls or over-spending - all you need is a few measurements of the space. Ordering in bulk bags 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 gravel called?
It is referred to as black basalt, black gravel stones or black garden gravel, although it is commonly mistakenly called black marble chippings.
What is black basalt gravel?
A durable, dark grey to black, angular aggregate, ideal for landscaping and decorative purposes.
What are the black stones for driveways?
Black basalt gravel is commonly used for driveways due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. Due to their Angular shape, they interlock readily and are stable underfoot or in heavy traffic.
What is the best colour gravel for a garden?
The best colour depends on the design; black basalt gravel offers a striking contrast.
