Bluestone is fast increasing in popularity, however there is a lot of confusion on what is bluestone. I live in Australia but got an email question from a person residing in the U.S.A. who had looked at our website. She said she was completely confused on what bluestone really was.
What is bluestone?
To begin with, bluestone is not a geological term and does not fall within any distinct category such as igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic. Bluestone, in fact, represents in excess of 20 separate rock varieties.
Bluestone is a non-technical term used to describe various types of stones that share a blue or greyish-blue appearance, rather than referring to a specific geological category. It encompasses over 20 distinct rock types, each varying in composition, origin, and properties. Bluestone can belong to any of the three primary rock classifications, igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic, depending on its formation process and mineral content.
bluestone in the U.S
In the U.S. it is usually a kind of sandstone. It is deep blue in colour, but in other areas of the U.S ,it is a variety of limestone that was formed in deep water and had less subjection to light. Because of this the rock eventually fades from a deep blue to a light grey after it has been exposed to the sun. This also applies to bluestone in Canada and Belgium.
bluestone in Australia
In Australia there are two varieties of bluestone, one normally known as Victorian Bluestone which is a kind of basalt. Basalt is an igneous rock made up primarily of feldspar and is usually grey to black and fine-grained owing to rapid cooling of lava at the surface of a planet. In South Australia, it is known as a type of slate. Slate is a metamorphic rock which is mostly made up of quartz and is typically pale grey or beige in color. It should be noted that it is a great deal less hard-wearing than the Victorian Bluestone.
Chinese Bluestone
Chinese Bluestone is generally a grey limestone. Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is mainly made up of minerals calcite and aragonite, which are dissimilar crystal forms of calcium carbonate. Chinese Bluestone is a sedimentary rock composed predominantly of calcite and aragonite, two different crystalline forms of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). These minerals form over millions of years, often incorporating fossilized remains of marine organisms, which can add unique textures and character to the stone.
Bluestone in the U.K
Bluestone as found in the U.K., the most famous being the stones of Stonehenge, is more specially known as Preseli Spotted Dolerite, found in the Preseli Hills of Wales. Dolerite is of a similar composition to basalt. This unique type of rock is found in the Preseli Hills of southwest Wales and is a type of dolerite, which has a composition similar to basalt. Dolerite is an igneous rock formed from the cooling of magma, typically characterized by its fine to medium-grained texture. What sets Preseli Spotted Dolerite apart is the presence of white or light-colored spots caused by feldspar crystals, giving it a distinctive and attractive appearance.
Bluestone in New Zealand
Bluestone found in New Zealand, also known as Timaru bluestone is similar to Victorian Bluestone and is also know as a grey basalt. New Zealand bluestone is primarily quarried in the vicinity of Timara in the south island (hence it’s name) also near Kokonda, central Otago.
Bluestone Finishes & Applications
Bluestone pavers come in a variety of finishes, each offering a unique texture, look, and level of slip resistance making them suitable for a wide range of outdoor spaces.
Honed bluestone has a smooth, matte surface that’s ideal for sleek, modern landscapes or undercover areas. Flamed bluestone is textured through heat treatment, giving it excellent slip resistance—perfect for pool surrounds and wet areas.
Sawn finish pavers have a slightly gritty surface straight from the saw, offering a natural, non-slip feel ideal for patios and alfresco zones. For a more rustic or heritage-style aesthetic, cobble bluestone brings a rugged charm that’s commonly used for driveways, paths, and stepping stones. Finally, prestige bluestone is a premium-grade product with a refined finish, often used in high-end residential or commercial projects where both style and durability matter.
Bluestone vs Other Natural Stones
When choosing the right material for your project, it helps to understand how bluestone compares to other popular natural stones like granite, limestone, and sandstone. Bluestone stands out for its dense composition and striking blue-grey tones, offering a balance of durability and style.
Bluestone or Granite?
Compared to granite, which is extremely hard and resistant to scratching, bluestone provides slightly more texture and is often preferred for its natural variation. Granite is one of the hardest natural stones available. It’s extremely durable, highly scratch-resistant, and ideal for high-traffic areas or locations exposed to heavy use. However, granite tends to have a more polished, uniform appearance and can feel colder or more industrial compared to the organic tones and textures of bluestone. If you’re after a more natural, earthy feel, bluestone may offer a more grounded aesthetic.
Bluestone or limestone?
While limestone has a softer, more uniform appearance, it is generally more porous than bluestone, making it better suited to areas with lower moisture exposure. Limestone, on the other hand, has a softer, lighter look with subtle variations in tone, often ranging from creamy whites to soft greys. It’s typically more porous than bluestone, making it more susceptible to staining and weathering over time, especially in areas exposed to water. While limestone creates a beautiful, clean look, it may require more frequent sealing and maintenance in outdoor settings.
Bluestone or Sandstone?
Sandstone, known for its earthy tones and slip resistance, is less dense than bluestone and may require more frequent sealing. Sandstone is another popular option known for its warm tones ranging from beige and gold to pink and brown and a naturally slip-resistant surface. While it’s easy to work with and brings a rustic charm, sandstone is generally less dense and more prone to erosion over time compared to bluestone. It’s great for areas like garden paths or courtyards, but may not perform as well as bluestone around pools or driveways where durability is key.
In summary, bluestone offers a solid middle ground: more textured and character-rich than granite, denser and more resilient than limestone or sandstone. It’s this balance of durability, porosity, slip resistance, and natural appeal that makes bluestone a favorite for driveways, pool coping, alfresco areas, and stepping stone pathways. By comparing these materials side-by-side, you can make a more informed decision based on the specific needs of your project.
Understanding these differences in durability, porosity, and aesthetic appeal can help ensure you choose the best stone for your driveway, pool area, pathway, or outdoor living space.
Bluestone Maintenance: Care Tips for Long-Lasting Beauty
To keep your bluestone looking its best and performing well over time, regular maintenance is key. Although bluestone is known for its durability and resistance to weathering, following a few simple care practices can help preserve its natural beauty.
Routine cleaning:
Routine cleaning with a gentle pH-neutral cleaner and a stiff broom or mop will remove dirt, dust, and debris without damaging the surface. For more stubborn stains, a mild detergent mixed with warm water usually does the trick—avoid harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners, as these can erode the stone’s finish over time.
Sealing your bluestone:
Sealing your bluestone is strongly recommended, especially in high-traffic areas or places exposed to moisture, such as pool surrounds or outdoor patios. A quality penetrating sealer will help protect against stains, moisture absorption, and weather-related wear. Depending on the environment and foot traffic, reapplying the sealer every 1–3 years will keep the stone protected and looking vibrant.
seasonal care:
In terms of seasonal care, it’s a good idea to inspect the surface for cracks or shifting after heavy rain or extreme temperatures. Sweeping up leaves and organic matter before they decompose will also help prevent staining or discoloration, particularly in shaded areas. With these simple maintenance practices, your bluestone pavers can retain their natural charm and structural integrity for decades.
Which bluestone is better?
What one should do if looking for bluestone particularly if you are looking for bluestone tiles or bluestone pavers, is to ascertain precisely what sort of stone they are. For example, if you are looking for bluestone tiles made from basalt you would hardly want to be presented with bluestone tiles formed from sandstone. sandstone is much softer and not quite as hard wearing. Take your local suppliers guidance on what sort of stone tile is the best for the situation in which you desire to make use of them. It is also extremely important to know just how the kind of bluestone selected changes in colour after extended exposure to light.
You can find out more about bluestone >> “Bluestone“.
To find out what is bluestone like please view our selection of Bluestone Tiles and Bluestone Pavers.
FAQ:
What Is Bluestone in Australia?
- Bluestone in Victoria = Olivine basalt (volcanic origin, dark and dense)
- Bluestone in South Australia = Slate-like sedimentary rock (layered, more decorative)
- Elsewhere = Usually refers to basalt or imported natural stone with a blue/grey tone
Despite these regional differences, “bluestone” in the Australian construction and landscaping industry generally implies a durable, blue-grey stone, most commonly basalt, used for its toughness and visual appeal.
What kind of stone is bluestone?
Bluestone is a commercial term used to describe various types of natural stone known for their blue-grey color and durability.
What is bluestone also known as?
Bluestone is also known as basalt in many parts of Australia, especially in Victoria, where it’s a dense volcanic rock commonly used for paving and building. In other regions, bluestone may also refer to slate, sandstone, or dolerite, depending on local geology. So while “bluestone” is the commercial name, the actual stone could be known geologically as basalt, slate, sandstone, or dolerite, depending on where it’s sourced.
Is bluestone cheaper than pavers?
Bluestone is generally more expensive than concrete pavers, but it can be comparable to or even more affordable than premium natural stone pavers like granite or travertine.
