Which is Suitable Hearthstone?

[Clair de la Lune]

I have a few options when it comes to a hearthstone. I am looking for one. I have some square tiles that appear to be some type of stone, possibly marble or quartz in large 12"x12" squares by 1" thick (I'm guessing). They are currently fulfilling other tasks such as holding a clamp lamp or supporting videos at the moment.

I have the option of purchasing a mostly flat rectangular piece of gray slate wrapped in plastic from a pet store.

I can get onyx from there, but they tend to be about 10 inches long and about 3-4 inches wide. Some are in points. They are a light rosey color.

Then there are some kind of stones with holes naturally occurring (I assume) in the middle. I read somewhere that stones such as these are lucky, however I don't know how they would really hold anything.

Thoughts? Does anyone know the properties of these and which I should use? Should I get any of these just to have them?

Thanks!
Clair

[lightdragon]

I have a few options when it comes to a hearthstone. I am looking for one. I have some square tiles that appear to be some type of stone, possibly marble or quartz in large 12"x12" squares by 1" thick (I'm guessing). They are currently fulfilling other tasks such as holding a clamp lamp or supporting videos at the moment.

i am going to need a color. as there is a big difference in marble and quartz. although slate does have quartz in it.also describe any swirls and what those colors are.



I have the option of purchasing a mostly flat rectangular piece of gray slate wrapped in plastic from a pet store.

I can get onyx from there, but they tend to be about 10 inches long and about 3-4 inches wide. Some are in points. They are a light rosey color.
there are various types of rosy onyx



Then there are some kind of stones with holes naturally occurring (I assume) in the middle. I read somewhere that stones such as these are lucky, however I don't know how they would really hold anything.

holey stones aka Holed stones,Holy stones and Odin stones. stones which have a naturally occuring hole in them are reguarded as protective. hung from the beds to prevent nightmares. also they were placed in the home and were used in healing. also enhances pyschism and it is said if you look through the hole you can see visions,faeries, and other entities.

[MonSno_LeeDra]

I think the first question you need to consider is where are you going to put it? If it is to be used outdoor's some things are better than others. If indoors then the material facet is not of such importance. Is it actually going to be used near fire? Heat has different affects / effects on different material.

If you have a piece of quartz that large then it's a massive quartz. Probally a yellowish or milky white in color but more than likey not clear or translucent. The main thing with Quartz is it's not really rock but a mineral so may not be exactly what you want.

Marble is usually ok for inside or outside usage. But I agree with lightdragon that a better description is needed to say for sure what it is.

The holed stones I would think would depend upon the size of the stone and again where you shall use it. Many call them goddess stones today as the hole is symbolic of the womb and vaginal opening. Other's call them dream stones or Odin stones or other type names. If they are to be used as a horizontal piece then the size does make a difference. If it is to be hung then I would say the size is again an issue but not as much as the horizontal usage.

Granite is another stone that some use but it's one that is easily destroyed and weathered when used outside. Inside not a problem though water or heat can cause it problems in either location.

[Clair de la Lune]

Thank you both!

One of the squares is very heavy and has clusters of white with some sparkle to it in white with gray, beige, and black around them. Looks like someone dropped cottage cheese on it and then dropped dabs of the other colors around the clusters of whitish curds. This is the one that stands on it's side and holds a clamp lamp right now.

Another one has videos on it and is heavy and rather plain looking with subtle brown-beige, lighter than a brown egg shell, with really subtle large lighter beige swirls in it. I see some rust color but I think since that is circular, that something was just set on it that shouldn't have been.

The third is a dark forest green (almost like our table top) and has a very subtle swirly white in it like someone used some watercolor swirls in it. (Our table top has more pronounced white sparkly swirls and lines in it on dark green with some little bits of black I think.)

I don't know if I would use the hearth stone outdoors or not. Definitely indoors. Don't have a fire place at the moment. I live in an apartment complex right now with no privacy, but maybe someday I could go somewhere, or live somewhere more private. I will have candles on it and a small cauldron with burning charcoal and incense.

The rock with the hole in it is pretty big...like 10 or 12 inches across or so, and the same for height. I can't remember if it stands or not. I think it's slate and has rounded edges. Sounds worth buying! It is rather cheap at a fish tank store.

Well, the onyx sounds hard to identify. May take my chances just to have it, and then again, may not.

Slate may or may not lie flat.

Any more information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[lightdragon]

I'm gonna need pics as the descriptions are too vague. As these could be multiple stones.

the green one sounds like green soapstone.

[Clair de la Lune]

Hmmm... not sure, but you could be right.

Soapstone from what I have seen of it can look like a lot of things and is hard to describe. It's also fairly inexpensive. I found the CUTEST animal carvings of soapstone at the Dollar Tree where everything is $1.00!!!

I will see if hubby can help me get pics on here. I'm good at taking 'em, and he's good at the rest.:hahugh:

Thank you! Blessed Be!

[Juniper138]

Purely for the sake of practicality: Which one would be easiest to scrape wax drippings off of, and to keep clean? Hearthstones can get thing spilled on them at times.

And not for the sake of being practical: Which on do you think is the most beatuilful? Has the best texture when you run your hands over it? Is there one you can more easily imagine placing special objects upon it?

[lightdragon]

Purely for the sake of practicality: Which one would be easiest to scrape wax drippings off of, and to keep clean? Hearthstones can get thing spilled on them at times.I would suggest something that was polished flat. As some of these square tiles have a rough natural feel to them. I found it easier to scrap wax off of flat polished surfaces than natural ones.

soapstone: the best recommended for stain resistance. however it's easy to scratch this stone. can take heat well. traditionally used in laboratories as it can resist acids.

travertine and limestone: easily scratches,stains and can have burn marks. watch acids like lemon juice.

granite: a polished piece is recommended.darker pieces are known to stain less. can absorb heat.

marble: this stone would be as practical as wood. it is suspectable to etches,stains,scrathes and can recieve burn marks on it.it is definitely waterproof.in order to avoid stains sealers are required.

laminates: these are plastic .

engineered stones:these are made of crushed quartz and a poly resin. the crushed quartz comes to 93%. it will sometimes go by the name of the manufactorer like Caesarstone, cambria quartz,du point zodiaq ,LG Vitera, and silestone.

the reason i am including heat resistance as sometimes you might want to leave a jar candle on there or even a brass incense censer. a lit candle jar or a brass incense censer in use can be pretty hot and can burn a surface. also certain liquids like salt water ,lemon juice, wine or other acidic liquids can stain it. As with left over wax. you can use a scrapper.polished surfaces do well.



And not for the sake of being practical: Which on do you think is the most beatuilful? Has the best texture when you run your hands over it? Is there one you can more easily imagine placing special objects upon it?agreed.

[Clair de la Lune]

Wow! Lots of great information from you both. Thanks a bunch! I definitely want it to be stain resistant and heat resistant AND be as beautiful as possible. For me, practicality comes first, because if it isn't functional, or if it is going to get ruined with use, why bother?:hahugh: It does no good for me if it looks great sitting out but I can't really use it. Then it's just some clutter if it doesn't serve some kind of purpose. I don't really have room for that any more in my tiny abode.

[Newbieoffractals]

From what you're planning on using it for, it sounds like any of them would be safe from a mundane point of view. However, stains and such can factor in.I would personally suggest slate, because it does hold heat well, in the sense it won't break from it.