What are sauna rocks?
Saunas have been used for centuries as a way to relax and detoxify the body. The heat from a sauna heater helps to loosen muscles, ease aches and pains, and improve circulation.
Sauna rocks are a big part of a traditional wood-burning sauna and can be found in almost every public sauna. The rocks are heated up to a high temperature and then help to retain the heat in the sauna. Only real sauna rock can create the intense, dry heat that is so characteristic of a Finnish sauna.
A sauna stove with rocks is the most common type of sauna heater. The rocks are placed on top of the stove and heated up to a high temperature. Once the rocks are heated, they help to retain the heat in the sauna and make it more comfortable for people to stay inside for longer periods of time.
You can also pour water on the sauna rocks to create steam. The steam helps to open up the pores and detoxify the skin. It can also help to improve respiratory conditions such as asthma.
What sauna stones are used for?
Sauna stones are traditionally used in saunas as a heat source. They help to retain heat and produce an even, comfortable temperature.
The heat energy from the sauna heaters warms up the rocks, and as the rocks heat up they in turn radiate heat back into the sauna. This radiant heat is what makes saunas so special, and it’s why saunas are often said to have a “soft” or “gentle” heat.
The stones also play an important role in the steam that is produced in a sauna. As water is poured over the hot rocks, it evaporates into steam. The steam that is produced helps to open up the pores and cleanse the skin.
Sauna stones are usually made of non-porous granite rocks because these are very dense rocks that can hold heat well.
What types of rocks are used in saunas?
There are different types of rocks that can be used in saunas, let’s take a look at some of the most popular options:
1. Granite
Granite rocks can be good sauna rocks as they are very dense. This means that they can hold heat well, making them ideal for saunas. However, one downside of granite is that it can be quite expensive. Granite can be found in a native American sweat lodge, where it is placed in the fire pit to heat up.
2. Basalt
Basalt is another type of rock that can be used in saunas. They are black volcanic rocks that are very dense and have a high heat capacity. Basalt rocks are often used in Finland, where they are heated up in a wood-fired sauna.
3. Quartz
Quartz is another option for sauna rocks. They are also very dense and have a high heat capacity. However, one downside of quartz is that it can be quite brittle. Quartz rocks are often used in electric saunas as they can withstand higher temperatures.
4. Igneous rocks
Igneous rocks are formed from cooled lava or magma. These lava rocks can be a good option for saunas as they are very dense and have a high heat capacity. The main benefit of using igneous rocks is that they can retain heat for a long time, making them ideal for saunas.
5. Sedimentary rocks
Sedimentary rocks are another great option for saunas. These rocks are formed from sediments that have been deposited over time. They are not as dense as igneous or metamorphic rocks, but they can still be a good option for saunas.
What type of sauna uses rocks?
Mostly, traditional saunas use rocks as a heat source. The rocks are placed in a fire pit or on an electric heater to heat up. Once the rocks are heated up, they radiate heat back into the sauna.
The steam that is produced in a sauna comes from water that is poured over the hot rocks. As the water evaporates, it creates steam. The steam helps to open up the pores and cleanse the skin.
Most saunas come with their own stones, but you can also purchase them separately if you want to collect sauna stones.
Conclusion
Using good sauna stones is a big part of having a great sauna experience. The stones help to retain heat and produce an even, comfortable temperature. They also play an important role in the steam that is produced in a sauna. If you are looking for good sauna stones, granite, basalt, quartz, igneous, or sedimentary rocks can be a good option.