Hot Rocks
From REWILD.info Field Guide, the free Field Guide To Rewilding
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Humans have used hot rocks for cooking food, boiling water for teas, shelter heating, sweatlodge ceremonies, and many other things probably since we first began to use fire. In order to make hot rocks you'll need to have fire and rocks.
[edit] Kinds of Rocks
Rocks react in various ways when heated. Having rocks that last a long time will save you time and energy; you want rocks that will not fall apart after use. You also want rocks that will not send shrapnel flying which can harm people and get in the food you are trying to cook.
[edit] Granite
A relatively large-grained rock which doesn’t bode well for heating. This species suffered a near 100% failure rate; water can infiltrate the interstitial spaces between the relatively-large quartz, feldspar and mica crystals and expand the rock when heated. To it’s credit, granite never sent shrapnel flying when it cracked.
[edit] Quartzite
A smaller-grained rock more homogenous throughout it’s structure, fares a little better than Granite. Saftey note: Some quartz has exploded when heated.
[edit] Basalt
Out-performs the other species of rock. Only about 5% of these cracked with use. Some basalt stones have lasted through years of boiling.
[edit] Heating the Rocks
1. Gather the rocks (Make sure you read the Danger/Risks section of this article)
2. Gather fire materials
3. Light the fire
4. Bury the rocks deep in the fire
5. Let the rocks "cook" in the fire until hot, red hot even, depending on intended use.
[edit] Using the Rocks
[edit] Boiling Water
Drop hot rocks into a container of water using a pair of tongs. Add rocks to the water until it begins to boil and then continue adding rocks as necessary to maintain boiling.
[edit] Cooking
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[edit] Heating
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[edit] Sweat Lodge
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[edit] Dangers/Risks
Rocks with moisture inside them explode when heated by fire. When gathering rocks, make sure you choose wisely. Rocks that have sat in a river will have lots of moisture inside of them.
[edit] Sources
Attribution for Creative Commons
- This article was modified and re-posted here from the Boiling With Hot Stonesarticle, initially written by Stormat that site.
- Usage permitted with Storms approval.
Rewild.Info Wiki Contributors
Image Contributors
- Copyrighted images from Boiling With Hot Stones by Storm used with permission.
- Urban Scout
Books
- Participating in Nature by Thomas J. Elpel
DVD
- The Art of Nothing: Volume One by Thomas J. Elpel
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