Red Lava Stones for Landscaping

Composition

• Minerals and gas bubbles join the lava as it flows from a volcano and harden inside of it. During the cooling stage, iron oxidation begins, and red cinders touch the steam as it rises. This process, combined with the minerals, give the rock its red coloring, strength and durability.

Qualities

• Red lava rock has several defining characteristics. It is lightweight and extremely porous with a pumice-like consistency. It is naturally weather resistant and doesn't erode under foot traffic or float away with heavy rainfall. Its color resembles red bricks. When broken down into small gravel or sand, it has hues of grey and orange.

Mulch and Surfaces

• In landscaping, red lava stone gravel and sand are used for casual garden pathways and driveways, garden mulch, borders and water features. For pathways and driveways, large gravel is laid on the bottom layer to facilitate drainage and stabilize the surface. Small gravel is laid on top because it stabilizes when compacted. As inorganic garden mulch, red lava rock doesn't decompose and it insulates plants and blocks weeds while propagating good bacteria and allowing air flow.

Focal Points

• Large red lava rocks serve as a vibrant focal point in a yard. Far lighter than stone boulders, they are easier to transport and adjust into the exact place you want them. Add single red lava rock to a garden to create contours and depth, or several stones to a bare area for a rock garden.