Everyone knows the he alth benefits of the traditional Russian bath. But in order for it to really bring benefits, it is necessary to choose the right materials. One of the most important points is how to choose a stone for a bath. This refers, of course, to those that are used for laying inside the stove. At first glance, it may seem that it makes absolutely no difference which stone to use for a bath. But this is far from true. Stones picked up on the street are not suitable for a bath. Especially those that were found near the roadway or railroad tracks. River stones for a bath are also not suitable due to the increased background radiation.
The main selection criteria are increased heat resistance and heat capacity, low coefficient of thermal expansion, as well as uniformity and non-toxicity of the material. A stone for a bath should accumulate heat well, withstand the highest temperatures without cracking. As a rule, stones are selected that have a more rounded and smooth shape. It is believed that this shape contributes to better circulation of hot air.
So what kind of stones are needed for a bath? There are severalbreeds most suitable for this purpose. Among them are gabbro-diabase, soapstone, bas alt, jadeite, white quartz, raspberry quartzite and others. Each one is good in its own way.
Gabbro-diabase is one of the most popular and common sauna stones. It is of volcanic origin and is a very hard mineral with low water absorption capacity. Due to uniform heating, gabbro-diabase almost never cracks, even at very large temperature differences. Another big plus in its favor is its low cost compared to other rocks.
Another popular bath stone is soapstone. It is even stronger and more durable than gabbro-diabase. Many consider the appearance of this stone somewhat unaesthetic, but all the shortcomings are covered by its excellent heat capacity and exceptional durability.
Bas alt is considered the strongest and most durable among stones of volcanic origin. It has a high heat capacity and aesthetic appearance, and also does not emit any harmful substances and odors when overheated. Due to this, it is very much in demand.
Also a very beautiful stone for a bath - raspberry quartzite. Already from the name it is clear that it has a very beautiful crimson color. The stone does not emit harmful substances and does not produce dust. It is believed that it has a beneficial effect on the entire circulatory system.
Jadeite is one of the most popular bath stones, but it is also the most expensive. This is due to the fact that this material, in addition to increasedheat capacity and durability, has a number of advantages. Being a semi-precious breed, it has a very beautiful slightly greenish color. Also, this stone is considered healing. According to various sources, it has a positive effect on the nervous system, improves metabolism, etc.
And finally, white quartz. This stone, although inferior in strength to the rest, is valued for its healing properties. When it is heated, ozone is released, which is so necessary for our he alth. Along with jadeite, white quartz is one of the most expensive and highly valued stones.
