Happy Stones for Loose-Fill or Bonding
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Quartzite
Other Name(s):
Golden quartz chips, golden quartz stones, golden quartz pea gravel
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Golden quartz gravel, also known as golden quartz pea gravel, a unique and highly appealing aggregate widely used in both indoor and outdoor design. This quartz gravel has a natural brown colour mixed with shades of yellow and cream, which can be mixed with plain colours to great effect. While this gravel can be found in the larger 10-20 mm size, it is most commonly available as a pea gravel, from 1-6mm. Therefore, it is used for resin bound, and resin binding applications, as well as pebbledashing.
This is a comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about golden quartz 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.
Golden Quartz Gravel Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quartz | 1-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Neutral |
Material
Quartz
Colour
Brown and yellow, with hints of white
Shape
Rounded to sub-angular
Size Range
1-20mm (0.04"-0.8")
Daltex golden quartz 2-5mm, Golden quartz gravel 8-12mm, 20mm golden gravel quartz, golden quartz 20mm
Fall Safety
Pea gravel fall height safety profile:
1.8m/6' drop at 15cm/6" depth
Price
Economical
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
Yes
Eco-friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Neutral
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates like pea gravel offer a multitude of benefits in garden and landscaping design. Golden quartz gravel boasts a natural, warm hue that complements a variety of design styles. Its golden colour, interspersed with a natural brown colour and white, creates a subtle yet striking visual appeal. The larger size of this particular quartz gravel makes it perfect for driveways, landscaping and general ground cover.
Golden quartz pea gravel is hard-wearing and creates a smooth and uniform surface, making it ideal for resin-binding in high-traffic outdoor areas. Its small size also allows for easy installation and customisation. The 1-5mm pebbles are classified as resin-bound gravels and aggregates, with the size and shape ideal for resin-binding and resin bound applications. Pebble dashing is also a common use for the 3-6mm size gravel.
Overall, golden quartz gravel is one of the most versatile products in decorative landscaping and construction with many loose-fill and construction applications.
Applications
Golden quartz gravel is exceptionally versatile and suitable for various applications, including garden pathways, driveways, borders and general ground cover. Its warm golden brown hue brings a subtle impact to landscaping projects, making it an excellent choice for creating natural-looking landscapes with a more traditional look or modern twist.
Golden quartz pea gravel can be used for resin-bound and resin-binding applications in high-traffic outdoor spaces such as pathways, driveways, and patio areas. Pea gravel is also commonly used for play surface safety, with a critical fall height rating of 1.8m at a 15cm depth. The larger, 3-6mm gravel is also widely used in pebble dashing of walls and surfaces.
In the following section, we list many common golden quartz 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 golden quartz gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that golden quartz 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. A gravel grid should be in place as a minimum.
- 3Loose-fill pea gravel is not ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic or frequent vehicle use. It can become stuck in tyre treads and also shift over time, leading to gravel being tracked into indoor and outdoor spaces.
Similar Alternatives
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to golden quartz 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
gold, brown, beige | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | rounded | UK, USA | |||
peach, pink, cream | 16-32mm (0.7-1.3") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
pink, grey | Blend | 6-20mm (0.1-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
beige, orange | 5-20mm (0.2-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
brown, buff | Quartzite | 3-10mm (0.4") | angular | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
Golden quartz gravel is low maintenance, especially when a heavy duty membrane is installed underneath to suppress weeds, and provides a cost-effective solution for larger landscaping projects. Regular raking can keep the surface level and free from debris. Over time, some replenishment may be needed, especially in high-traffic areas. Occasionally, washing may be necessary to maintain its colour and prevent algae growth.
Resin-bonded features need to be checked for any areas where the gravel may have come loose and consider repairing in a timely manner. According to a study by the National Gardening Association, only 5% of homeowners reported any maintenance issues with golden pea gravel, making it an ideal landscaping solution for low-maintenance outdoor spaces.
For more on how to clean gravel, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
When purchasing golden quartz 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, golden quartz gravel 20mm is typically used for loose-fill driveways, while smaller 10mm and 6mm golden quartz gravel is better suited to footpaths. The smaller 1-3mm golden quartz pea gravel is used for resin-bonding applications.
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 golden quartz 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.
Pea Gravel Resin Bonding Coverage Guide
Golden quartz pea gravel generally comes in 25kg sizes, and a 25kg bag will usually cover 1.25㎡ at 12mm thickness. The following information applies on a per bag basis.
You will also require ~800g UV stable resin and ~ 1g of resin activator per 25kg bag.
FAQs
What is quartz gravel?
Quartz gravel is a naturally occurring aggregate known for its durability and availability in varied colours, commonly used in landscaping and decorative applications.
What is the difference between pea gravel and other types of pea gravel?
Golden pea gravel differs from other types of pea gravel primarily in colour. While traditional pea gravel typically ranges from beige to brown, grey pea gravel has a more contemporary and versatile appearance.
Does 20mm gravel compact and what is 20mm gravel used for?
20mm gravel compacts to a degree, making it suitable for paths and driveways, but it's not as stable as smaller, crushed gravel. 20mm gravel is ideal for garden paths, driveways, water features and as a decorative ground cover in landscaping.
How much does a bulk bag of 20mm gravel weigh?
A bulk bag of gravel 20mm typically weighs approximately 850kg to 1 tonne, depending on moisture content.
