I just build a fire pit with natural gas. I covered the pips with lave rocks from my local concrete yard. As the lava rock heats up they go poping sending pieces flying more then 5' away sometimes. I am afraid it will burn the little ones. Any of you know if there is a a specific kind of lave rocks that would not do that? what is the stuff they use in BBQs? Any idea welcolm. Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this question. Thanks
I can't think of any reason you would have this problem other than from moisture within the rocks. Since lava is very porous, I would think that if rained upon, it would flow inside of the stone and remain until an extended drying time had passed, or you light up a fire.
Other that drying it before placing it in the fire or keeping all away until such time it stops popping, I don;t see a cure for your situation.
Heating typical stone is not a good idea either as many types of stone will break or even shatter when heated.
maybe some fire brick may be less problematic and can be used in some way for you.
Lava rocks aren't good for fire pits. They explode in direct heat. The rocks you want to cook with are river rocks. The smooth ones around the size of a softball and a little larger. They will hold the heat for a very long time.
Real lava rocks are the proper ones. They have open pores and will not pop. River rock, on the other hand will explode when placed in direct contact to flame.
I never had a problem with the smooth river rocks. In hawaii, my family(myself included)have always cooked pigs in the ground with the river rocks. Been doing it for hundreds of years. Lava rocks besides being bad luck to move were never really used for much.
Ill take some pictures in Dec. when I do a pig for my neice's birthday on maui.
It will depend upon the type of rock, of course, but AFAIK, pretty much every rock in Hawwai is lava rock of some sort, not granite, sandstone, or limestone.
You have get rocks from places that are dry or high above the water level. These rocks explode because they contain moisture inside of them.
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