Last Modified: January 27, 2024

Nordic Mixed Quartz Gravel

Frosty, Fish-Friendly Garden Stones

12 Dec 2024

close up of Nordic Mixed Quartz Gravel

By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist

Classification:

Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate

Geological name(s):

Quartzite

Other Name(s):

Nordic quartz gravel, Nordic quartz

Overview

Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Nordic mixed quartz gravel, also known as Nordic quartz gravel, is a mid-priced, rare and water worn, decorative aggregate that has a blend of varied shaped pebbles that darken when wet. Featuring colours from buff, grey and charcoal to white which sparkle and reflect light when dry, they stand out in any outdoor setting.

This comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about Nordic mixed 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.

Nordic Mixed Quartz Gravel Specifications

material

colour

shape

sizes

fall safety

price

Quartz

8-14mm

durability

fish friendly

eco friendly

degradability

ph

diy friendly

Non-degradable

Neutral

Material

Quartz aggregate

Colour

White, buff, grey and charcoal

Shape

Rounded to sub-angular

1.close up of nordic quartz 10mm

Size Range

8-12mm (0.3-0.5")
Nordic mixed quartz 8-12mm

Fall Safety

Unsuitable for play surfaces

Price

Mid

Durability

High

Fish Friendly

Yes

2.Nordic Quartz chippings wet and dry

Eco-friendly

Yes

Degradability

Non-degradable

pH

Neutral

DIY-Friendly

Yes

3.quartz gravel garden path

Benefits

Decorative aggregates like Nordic mixed 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.

Nordic mixed quartz gravel's attractive blend of white, buff, grey and charcoal provides a striking, natural look, especially when wet. Its sparkly surface, adds brightness by reflecting sunlight and can add a contemporary feel to any setting. They are neutral pH and aquatic life-friendly for garden design, like all quartz stones.

  • Inhibits weeds
  • Improves drainage
  • Hard-wearing
  • Eco-friendly, sustainable
  • Low-maintenance
  • Moisture retention
  • Versatile all-rounder
  • pH neutral
  • Transform space fast
  • Safe for aquatic life
  • Root protection
  • Easy to lay

Applications

Nordic mixed quartz gravel is a very popular choice for a multitude of landscaping applications. Its vibrant colours and durable nature make it ideal for pathways, borders and garden features, complementing both traditional and contemporary settings. It's fish-friendly qualities make it particularly useful in water features or ponds with aquatic pets.

It should be noted, however, that due to its rounded to sub-angular shape, it might not be ideal for driveways, due to spreading and containment issues, as well as pebbles getting stuck in tyre treads.

In the following section, we list many common Nordic mixed 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.

4.decorative stones driveway

Inspiration and Informational Articles

DIY-Friendly How-To Guides

Need to work out how many stone chippings your  project needs? Try our free gravel calculator.

Other Applications

Some other excellent applications for Nordic mixed quartz gravel include:

  • Base for terrace, patios or outdoor seating areas
5.Nordic Quartz under garden leaves

Unsuitable For

The following list represents the kinds of applications that Nordic mixed quartz gravel may not be suitable for:

  1. 1
    Areas 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.
  2. 2
    Driveways: Due to its rounded to sub-angular shape, it may not be suitable for driveways due to spreading and containment problems, as well as gravel getting stuck in tire treads. 
  3. 3
    Erosion 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.
  4. 4
    Play surfaces

Similar Alternatives to Nordic Quartz Gravel

The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to Nordic mixed 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")

sub-angular

UK, USA, EU

pink, grey

Blend

6-20mm (0.1-0.8")

angular

UK, USA, EU

white, grey, blue

Blend

5-20mm (0.2-0.8")

angular

UK, USA, EU

black, grey

Blend

10-20mm (0.4-0.8")

angular

UK, USA, EU

Under £80

£80-£120

£120-£150

£150-£200

£200-£300

£300+

Maintenance

6.weeding garden gravel

Nordic mixed 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

7.decorative stones with edging and a plant

When purchasing Nordic mixed 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 and shapes; for instance, Nordic mixed quartz gravel 8-14mm are typically a good size and shape for pathways, although they may not be suited to driveways due to the stones getting stuck in tyre treads, and spreading occurring, due to the inferior interlocking of rounded stones. Especially for high-traffic surfaces, angular gravel will produce the best results.

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 Nordic mixed gravel come in and is it suitable for driveways?

Nordic mixed 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.

There are many wonderful types of gravel and aggregates available for your project needs. Check them out!

About the author 

Ben Parrot is a landscape gardener and amateur geologist. He is the founder of Outdoor Aggregates, with the mission to create the first encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates. From natural stone through to decorative bark, these aggregates are critical to garden and landscape design, universally.

The problem: There isn't any place where all the different types of decorative landscaping materials and construction aggregates can be found, nor are the specifications of each type readily available. So, enriched by his extensive experience, and inspired by the timeless elegance and raw beauty of stone and rock, etched by nature's artistry over millennia, Outdoor Aggregates was born.