A traditional Finnish sauna that utilizes sauna rocks in its operation is often referred to as a rock sauna, and the name aptly implies just how important a feature of the conventional sauna the rocks are. The sauna heater holds and heats the sauna rocks, and the sauna bather tosses water onto the hot rocks to create the loyly or vapor that increases the humidity in the sauna room. Even in the modern era of far infrared sauna therapy, many sauna enthusiasts refuse to be swayed in their belief that sauna rocks are essential to achieving the definitive sauna experience.

While sauna fans are free to forever debate what defines an authentic sauna bath, it is an absolute must that rock sauna owners always use proper sauna rocks in their saunas. Many sauna manufacturers and sauna dealers often provide sauna rocks with the Finnish-style saunas and sauna kits they sell, but sauna owners who enjoy frequent dips in their rock saunas will likely someday have to replace old sauna rocks with new ones.

Under the intense pressure of the sauna