Six Rare and Unusual Stones

Aquarium Burma Petrified Stone

Burma Petrified Stone is a unique and visually stunning addition to any aquarium. This stone has a petrified wood appearance with sparkles from minerals and quartz embedded in it. The stone has dragon stone-like coloration with wild layering, pockets, and striations. It is longer in orientation, making it perfect for longer, skinnier, or shallower tanks.

Burma petrified stone, as with other petrified stones, is a type of stone that has undergone a process of petrification, which is the process of turning organic matter into stone. This process occurs over millions of years when a piece of vegetation falls underground and gets covered up with dirt and organic matter. In an environment where there is no oxygen, the organic matter dissolves, and the remaining pockets get filled with groundwater minerals, quartz, and other minerals. The coloration in the stone comes from the different minerals that fill up those pockets. Over time, the stone hardens and becomes petrified.

The stone is versatile in aquascaping, and stacking and arrangement techniques can create a petrified forest vibe with fallen logs or a carpeting effect. The stone is flaky, but this can be used to your advantage by breaking it into small pieces for a carpeting effect or trailing out from larger pieces to smaller ones. With its many options for plants and fish, Burma Petrified Stone is an excellent choice for shallower or longer tanks.

The stone is super grippy because of the little striations, grooves, and pockets present in it, making it easy to stack and create different looks.

When considering the placement of Burma petrified stone in an aquarium, both vertical and horizontal orientations can be used to create different effects. Its unique coloration and sparkle, thanks to the minerals and quartz within the stone, make it a standout addition to any aquascape. The rock's variation and orientation make it an excellent choice for creating a lot of options for plants and fish.

This stone has the potential to slightly raise PH and water hardness over time so be sure to consider that when choosing inhabitants.  Regular water changes can counteract this.

Aquarium Fire Stone 

Firestone is a unique rock that is unlike anything else in the market. Its colors, textures, and variations make it an exceptional choice for aquascaping. Firestone can reach heights that are difficult to achieve with other rocks due to its porous nature, which allows it to stack and glue onto itself easily.

One of the advantages of Firestone is its versatility in aquascaping. It can be used as a base for woods or as a stand-alone rock without the need for plants. Additionally, Firestone is part of the lava stone family, and each rock is not super dense, providing a lot of rock for what you buy. This gives you a ton of options when thinking about how to create your scape. With Firestone, the possibilities are endless, and you can create tons of little caves and pockets for shrimp, epiphytes, and other inhabitants to swim around in.

Aquarium Redwood Petrified Wood Stone

Redwood petrified stone, an interesting addition to any aquascaper's collection, combines durability and unique aesthetics, bringing a touch of ancient nature into modern aquariums. Its dense composition is characteristic of petrified materials, yet it holds a charm distinct in its striated patterns and vivid colors. With ample crevices and textures, it offers creative possibilities for planting and creating naturalistic underwater landscapes.

Equipped with both a discernible front and back, each piece of redwood petrified stone encourages a thoughtful approach to aquascaping. The stone's inherent strength allows for vertical placement, mimicking the towering trees of prehistoric forests, and provides a stunning backdrop for aquatic life. Whether aiming for a minimalist design or an intricate setup, the versatility of redwood petrified stone caters to a wide array of styles without necessitating the addition of plants, although subtle flora can enhance its appearance.

When preparing Redwood Petrified Stone for aquarium use, remember that despite its robust and dense nature, a prep rinse is always prudent. Unlike some other stones, Redwood Petrified Stone doesn't excessively shed particles upon handling. 

When selecting plants for use with Redwood Petrified Stone, consider allowing the stone's natural beauty to stand out. Incorporate plants like small Anubias species, which won't overshadow the stone. These low-growing plants add a touch of greenery while ensuring the stone remains the focal point.

Although the stone is petrified and therefore less prone to breakage, it is still possible to create smaller pieces if desired. This stone has the potential to slightly raise PH and water hardness over time so be sure to consider that when choosing inhabitants.  Regular water changes can counteract this.

Aquarium Crema Pagoda Stone

Crema Pagota stones are a natural and safe choice for aquariums due to their lack of sharp edges and pockets for plants.  Creative aquascaping techniques such as splintering the rock can add a unique and visually appealing element to the aquarium design.The rocks are primarily made up of clay, mud, and sand, which gives them a natural look.

When using these rocks in an aquascape, try to keep some of the layering going in the same direction. Although these rocks have been tossed around in rivers and streams, keeping some layering consistent can add to the overall look of the aquarium.

It is important to note that these rocks are a little crumbly due to their sandstone composition. It is essential to wash them thoroughly and avoid using any chemicals or powerful tools that may damage the rocks.

Crema Pagoda stone can be used with or without plants depending on the design aesthetic you are looking to achieve; however, bring green plants and colorful fish can really stand out against the predominantly light-colored sandstone backdrop creating a beautiful combination and dichotomy of lush forest vs desert-style rock.  This stone has the potential to slightly raise PH and water hardness over time so be sure to consider that when choosing inhabitants.  Regular water changes can counteract this.

Aquarium Canyon Petrified Wood Stone

This petrified wood, also known as fossil wood, features distinctive striations that resemble tree bark and come in a variety of colors due to the different minerals mixed in with the quartz during the petrification process.

One of the standout features of Canyon Petrified Stone is that there is no front or back, making it a great choice for creating multi-dimensional and dynamic aquascapes. Additionally, the stone's ability to stack and form caves and pockets allows for ample opportunities to incorporate plants and create a natural-looking environment for aquatic life.

Canyon Petrified Stone comes in a variety of colors and patterns that make it perfect for aquascaping. The stone has little pockets that you can put plants in and around, and you can create different styles with it. The stone is perfect for creating an island-style or concave-style aquarium.  This stone has the potential to slightly raise PH and water hardness over time so be sure to consider that when choosing inhabitants.  Regular water changes can counteract this.

Aquarium Elephant Stone 

Apart from its aesthetic appeal, Elephant Stone is also an excellent choice for aquascaping due to its smooth edges and pockets that can accommodate plants. In addition, Elephant Stone can be stacked to create different shapes and structures, providing endless possibilities for customization. This stone is characterized by its texture, which closely resembles the skin of an elephant, hence the name.

One of the main advantages of Elephant Stone is its neutral color, which makes it an ideal backdrop for showcasing the colors of fish and plants. Additionally, its smooth edges make it safe for livestock, without the risk of injuring sensitive fish.

Overall, Elephant Stone is a great option if you are looking for something different from the usual Dragon Stone or Seiryu Stone. Its unique texture and versatility make it a fun and creative option for any aquascape.  This stone has the potential to slightly raise PH and water hardness over time so be sure to consider that when choosing inhabitants.  Regular water changes can counteract this.