Everything about Sauna Stones

For the enjoyable and health-beneficial sauna or banya experience, the stones you choose are as important as the wood that lines the walls of your sauna. But why to spend money on sauna stones instead of just picking up coaster pebbles and washing them? Because doing it without experience and special knowledge is quite dangerous.

Even the strong structure of stones can be destroyed with the sauna’s high temperature if the stones have sharp edges because the heat doesn’t distribute evenly (pure physics): the stones can split when heated (just like putting boiling water in an ice-cold ordinarily glass). It could be like an explosion, which is obviously not safe for people.

But the splitting is still half of the trouble: depending on the rock’s mineral content, some stones emit harmful gases when heated that you might not even notice. And the steam quality won’t be good either. The rest is not about the safety issues: the stones that you brought home from your sea vacations simply don’t do their job properly and your sauna experience will be far from perfect.

Generally, you should not use stones with unknown characteristics. So, as you prepare for your next sauna or banya session, take a moment to consider your stones. The right choice could turn a simple steam bath into a transformative wellness ritual.

What Makes a Stone Ideal for Sauna or Banya?

Not all stones are suitable for saunas and banyas. Your choice is essential for creating a blissful experience. The stones you choose need to withstand high heat, retain heat well, and release it evenly when water is poured over them (known as “löyly” in Finnish sauna culture).

So, what makes a stone ideal for sauna or banya use? Here are the key characteristics to look for:

• Heat Retention: Stones need to retain heat efficiently to create the soothing, long-lasting steam that defines a great sauna or banya session.
• The Stone Shape: The general rule is – the more rounded stones the more evenly they are heated and the air between them is much easier to circulate. But a stone being like a soccer ball is not good either. The best stones for saunas have small roughness and irregularities, so that the water does not bounce from their hot, smooth surface, and evaporates gradually.
• Even Heat Distribution: The best stones distribute heat evenly, ensuring that the steam is consistently smooth rather than harsh or sporadic.
• Low Water Absorption Rate: This characteristic of the great stones for sauna or banya is very important: the stones shouldn’t be like a sponge; they should evaporate water evenly and smoothly to produce the perfect steam.
• Durability: Stones that crack or shatter are dangerous and can ruin your experience. You want stones that can handle the intense cycles of heating and cooling.
• Non-Toxic: Some stones can release harmful minerals or toxins when heated. Choose stones that are safe and free of harmful substances.

What Are the Best Stones for Sauna and Banya Sessions?

Here are the descriptions of the most common sauna stones to help you create blissful sauna or banya sessions, without regrets and disappointments.

Peridotite: The Sauna Classic

Peridotite is often hailed as the gold standard for sauna stones. This dense, coarse-grained rock is perfect for sauna use because of its excellent heat retention and durability. Found in volcanic areas, peridotite can handle the extreme heat of a sauna or banya session, staying hot for a long time and producing that perfect, smooth steam when water is poured over it.

Peridotite’s uniformity in absorbing and releasing heat ensures that your löyly is consistent, creating a soothing wave of steam rather than an intense burst. It’s also widely available and affordable, making it a popular choice for sauna enthusiasts around the world.

Olivine Diabase: The Durable Performer

Olivine diabase is another top contender for sauna and banya stones. Known for its robustness, this igneous rock can withstand the extreme heating and cooling cycles of a sauna without cracking. Its high density allows it to absorb and release heat steadily, providing a smooth and continuous steam experience.

Olivine diabase is a great option if you want stones that are not only durable but also contribute to a gentle and relaxing löyly. Its long-lasting nature makes it an economical choice, as you won’t have to replace it as frequently as less durable stones.

Gabbro: The Heavy Hitter

This volcanic coarse-grained stone of a homogeneous dark color resembles granite or marble. It has a high density, which guarantees strength as well as low water absorption, which makes them perfect for the regular water splashing rituals in banyas.

These stones are known for producing soft, penetrating steam that can reach every part of the room. They are also prized for its heat retention and providing an even, therapeutic heat that helps to relax muscles and improve circulation. When heated, the gabbro-diabase expands evenly.

It’s often found in banya traditions due to its resilience and its ability to maintain high temperatures for extended periods.

Basalt: The Volcanic Favorite

Basalt, a volcanic rock, is another popular option for sauna and banya sessions. Its fine-grained texture and high density allow it to withstand extreme heat without cracking. Basalt stones hold heat for long periods, making them ideal for creating long-lasting and gentle steam.

What makes basalt particularly appealing is its ability to produce a soft, even steam that feels enveloping rather than harsh. If you’re looking for a stone that balances durability and smooth heat release, basalt might just be your go-to option.

Jadeite: The Luxurious Choice

Often associated with healing and wellness in various cultures, jadeite is a beautiful semi-precious stone of emerald or light green color, not related to volcanic rocks. In addition to the wonderful appearance, jadeite boasts incredible durability and heat retention (2-3 times more than other stones).

If you’re after something more luxurious and unique, jadeite is the stone to consider. Jadeite stones not only add a touch of elegance to your sauna but also contribute to an even, soft löyly that can enhance the overall relaxation experience.

While jadeite stones are more expensive than traditional options, their longevity and the quality of the steam they produce can make them a worthwhile investment for those seeking a premium sauna or banya experience.

Soapstone: The Natural Heatmaster

Soapstone (also known as talcochlorite) is another fantastic option for sauna stones. Its name says almost all about the chemical composition of the mineral – it typically contains significant amounts of talc and chlorite.

It is much denser and more durable volcanic rock than gabbro and known as one of the best options in the oven’s cladding. Its high talc content gives it a soft, smooth texture, but don’t let that fool you – soapstone is incredibly durable and excels at retaining and releasing heat slowly and evenly.

This makes it perfect for those who enjoy a steady, continuous heat during their sauna sessions. But the main advantage of soapstone is that it is very quickly heated (faster than brick), accumulates 2.5 times more heat and distributes it evenly and for a longer time.

Soapstone is also known for its ability to remain crack-free even after years of use, making it an excellent long-term investment. Its unique properties contribute to a softer löyly, which is ideal for those who prefer a more gentle steam.

The stones you choose for your sauna or banya are more than just accessories, they are essential for creating the perfect environment for relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether you go for the classic peridotite, the durable olivine diabase, or the luxurious jadeite, selecting the right stones can elevate your heat therapy experience to new heights.