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Rocks are rocks, right? Not when you are talking about sauna rocks.
There is a difference between sauna rocks. Your safety, your heat and your steam depend on the right kind of sauna heater rocks. It may seem like a rock is a rock but there are some important differences.
As a former Earth Science teacher I just can’t resist a real quick lesson here about the 3 main types of rocks. (Don't worry, this won't be on the test.)
Igneous rocks come from cooled lava or magma. Most, like granite, are heavy and dense while others, like pumice, are light and porous. Some will actually float on water. Granite, Basalt and obsidian are Igneous.
Metamorphic rocks have been changed due to extreme heat and pressure. They are nearly always dense and heavy and often contain banding. Gneiss, Slate and Marble are metamorphic.
Sedimentary rocks come from the compacting and cementing of sediments. They tend to be light and layered and easily broken apart. Sandstone, Shale and conglomerates are sedimentary.
So what does this have to do with my sauna you ask?
Several things are important. The sauna rocks, also known as “KONNOS,” determine your safety, your heat and the steam that creates the “löyly”.
The safety factor comes into play when you fire up the sauna for the first time. Rocks that have water trapped inside can explode when heat turns the water to steam. I have never seen this in a sauna but it has happened multiple times around a campfire. It will get your attention. If you are collecting your own rocks the key is to be sure they have not been soaked in water. No rocks from streams or lakes.
Dense and heavy rocks will give off a soft consistent heat and hold the heat enough to produce a steady supply of steam. Avoid softer, light, porous rocks . A good rule of thumb is to hit them with a hammer (don’t get carried away Hercules) or drop them onto a hard surface several times. If they don’t chip much or split apart they will probably work.
Be sure to use enough rock to hold an even temperature for a long time. You want them to gradually warm up and hold that temperature consistently.
The size of your sauna rocks should vary from about ½ as big as your fist to 3 times as big as your fist. They should pack close enough together that water doesn’t pool on the heater.
Your sauna rocks need to work with the sauna heater to produce a soft consistent heat to make the experience as relaxing as possible. Using the right rocks makes a difference.
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