Advice Sought--stone Steps

VAviaCo

I need to replace 6x6's buried in the ground with stone steps. Having built a lot of steps from wood I'm fine on figuring heights etc. but I have very little experience working with stone.
I have heard to use gravel for drainage and to set the stone in sand.
The drop is 6 feet in 16 feet lateral. (for one of 3 sections)
Do I need to lay a bed of gravel and then sand and then stack the stones?
I think the customer leans towards dry (no mortar) construction.
She wants real rocks, not concrete made to look like rock. I've found some at the garden/farm center. Can these be cut or chipped to fit at all or must I make do with the sizes/shapes provided?


Any tips/stories would be greatly appreciated.