Vivid Jaffa Brown Sparkle Stone
11 Sep 2024
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Quartzite
Other Name(s):
Heritage gravel, heritage quartz, heritage stone chippings, quartz pebbles, garden quartz, orange quartz
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Heritage quartz gravel, also known as heritage gravel, is a mid-priced and hard-wearing decorative aggregate that stands out for its sparkly surface and rusty buff colours, which sparkle and reflect light when dry.
This comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about heritage 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.
Heritage Quartz Gravel Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stone | 10-14mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Neutral |
Material
Quartz aggregate
Colour
Buff, orange, rusty red, brown and greys
Shape
Angular
Size Range
10-14mm (0.4-0.5")
10mm heritage quartz chippings, heritage quartz gravel 14mm
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 heritage quartz gravel offer a blend of aesthetic appeal and practicality, transforming gardens and landscapes into vibrant, visually appealing spaces. They are low maintenance, durable, and can help with soil moisture retention and weed suppression.
Heritage quartz gravel's attractive blend of orange and reddish brown hues, interspersed with greys, provides contrast for varying features whilst retaining a natural look. Its sparkly surface, especially when wet, adds a dynamic element and reflects light, adding brightness and dimension to outdoor areas. Additionally, like all quartz stones for garden design, they are neutral pH and aquatic life-friendly.
Applications
Heritage quartz gravel is a sound choice for a multitude of landscaping applications. Its vibrant colours and durable nature make it ideal for features such as borders and ground covers, complementing both traditional and contemporary settings. Heritage quartz's angular shape makes interlocking to form stable surfaces for pathways and driveways a cinch. It's fish-friendly qualities make it particularly useful in water features or ponds with aquatic pets.
In the following section, we list many common heritage quartz stones 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 heritage quartz gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that heritage 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.
- 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 Heritage Quartz Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to heritage 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Red sandstone pebbles | warm red | Sandstone | 10-50mm (0.4-2") | rounded | UK, USA, | |
pink, white, grey | 3-20mm (0.1-0.8") | Angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
buff, cream | 6-20mm (0.025-8") | Angular | UK, USA | |||
white, buff | Marble | 3-20mm (0.1-0.8") | Angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
white, pink, yellow | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | Rounded | UK, USA, EU | |||
apricot, white | Quartzite | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | Angular | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
Heritage quartz 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 heritage quartz, 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, heritage quartz gravel 14mm are typically used for paths and driveways, while smaller 10mm heritage quartz gravel may not be suited to driveways due to the stones getting stuck in tyre treads.
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 sizes does heritage gravel come in and is it suitable for driveways?
Heritage quartz gravel typically comes in sizes ranging from 10-14mm (0.4-0.5"), suitable for various landscaping needs. Its angular shape make it the 14mm gravel suitable for driveways and paths, though a stabilising grid is recommended for heavy traffic areas.
Can quartz gravel be used in aquatic settings?
Yes, it is fish friendly and does not alter water pH, making it suitable for ponds and aquatic features.
Is heritage quartz gravel eco-friendly?
Yes, it is sourced sustainably, making it an attractive blend eco-friendly option for landscaping.
