Olivine Diabase: The Standard Sauna Stone
Olivine diabase is the most popular sauna stone for good reason: dense, heat-stable and durable. Here is why it works and how it compares to alternatives.
The Almanac · Cluster
Which rocks belong in a sauna, how to stack them, and when to replace them — the small details that decide the quality of your löyly.
16 articles · page 2 of 2
Olivine diabase is the most popular sauna stone for good reason: dense, heat-stable and durable. Here is why it works and how it compares to alternatives.
Stack sauna stones loosely, biggest at the bottom, around the elements — never packed tight. A step-by-step guide to loading and refreshing your stones.
Cleaning sauna stones means removing them, rinsing off grit, discarding cracked ones and restacking. Here is how to refresh the pile so the löyly stays strong.
Fill your heater to its rated stone capacity — from 10–20 kg for small electric units to 40 kg or more for big wood stoves. Here is how to judge the amount.
Ceramic sauna stones offer consistency and long life; natural stones are traditional and inexpensive. Here is how the two compare and which to choose.
No — many common rocks trap water and can crack or burst when heated. Here is why you must use proper sauna stones and which rocks to avoid.
The best löyly comes from dense, low-porosity stones with a rough surface, loaded loosely in a good size mix. Here is what makes stones give great steam.