Frosty, Fish-Friendly Garden Stones
12 Dec 2024
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
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
Eco-friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Neutral
DIY-Friendly
Yes
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.
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.
Inspiration and Informational Articles
DIY-Friendly How-To Guides
Other Applications
Some other excellent applications for Nordic mixed quartz gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that Nordic mixed 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.
- 2Driveways: 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.
- 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.
- 4Play 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
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
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.