småstein

Småstein is a Norwegian word for small stones or pebbles. In everyday usage it denotes stones that are smaller than cobbles and commonly used in landscaping or construction settings. It is not a formal geological term; regional variation means the exact size range described as småstein can differ, but it generally covers stones coarser than sand and up to a few centimeters in diameter.

Småstein can be natural stones eroded and rounded by water or ice, or fragments produced by quarrying. They come in various rock types, including granitic, basaltic, limestone, and quartzite materials, depending on local geology. Vendors usually wash and sort småstein by size classes and offer both natural and processed, tumbled options.

Common uses include decorative ground cover in gardens, pathways, and edging borders; as a drainage layer beneath pavements or in planters; and as substrate for aquariums or terrariums. In construction, småstein may be employed in lightweight fill or to stabilize slopes, and in arts and crafts for mosaics and landscaping features.

Maintenance involves periodic topping up to maintain cover and prevent gaps, raking or brushing to keep the surface even, and cleaning to remove organic matter. When used as a drainage layer, it is important to avoid fines that could clog the system, and to place a geotextile fabric or proper filter material underneath as needed.