Fossil Mint Indian Sandstone · Riven · Quarry-Direct
Soft cream, beige and golden tones with genuine fossil markings — ferns, leaves and shells formed over millions of years. A bright, forgiving patio stone that's been a UK favourite since the 1990s.
Warm cream and buff tones with the occasional hint of pink or brown — and genuine fossilised markings on many slabs. The light palette is forgiving day-to-day, hiding dust and grime that shows instantly on grey stone.
About the Stone
Fossil Mint is a premium light-toned Indian sandstone, valued for its distinctive fossil markings and subtle veining. Its base tones are soft cream, beige and pale yellow, occasionally punctuated with green, brown, pink or grey — a bright, timeless finish that suits both traditional and contemporary gardens. It was one of the earliest imported Indian sandstones to become popular in the UK, back in the 1990s, and remains a firm favourite.
What sets it apart is the fossil detailing — gentle fern, leaf and shell-like patterns that appear on roughly a quarter to a third of slabs, formed within the stone over millions of years. Because it's natural, the number of fossil impressions varies crate to crate, which is part of its charm. Its tight, dense grain structure resists frost penetration well, and its water absorption sits in the typical sandstone range of about 1–3%.
The naturally riven surface channels rainwater away quickly, preventing pooling and slippery patches after heavy downpours — which is exactly why it performs so well through British winters. A properly laid and sealed Fossil Mint patio can last 30–40 years. Note: Fossil Mint is available as riven paving only; there's no sawn smooth version of this particular stone.
The standard mixed patio pack contains 60 slabs across 4 sizes, calibrated to 22mm — covering approximately 18.5 m². Single sizes and matching cobble setts also available.
Care & Maintenance
Fossil Mint is refreshingly low-maintenance — a weekly brush and an occasional wash with warm water, mild pH-neutral detergent and a soft-bristled brush is genuinely all it needs. The warm cream tones are forgiving, hiding everyday dust and grime that would show immediately on grey surfaces.
Sealing is recommended: seal roughly 12 weeks after installation (once the stone has dried out), using a breathable impregnating sealer formulated for natural stone. This protects against staining and reduces moisture absorption and algae. You may notice efflorescence — a harmless white powdery bloom — in the first few months; it clears naturally. Never use acidic cleaners or high-pressure washing, both of which damage the surface.
No — fossil markings appear on roughly 25–40% of slabs, and the amount varies crate to crate. Some crates include several strong fern, leaf or shell impressions; others have few or none. It's a natural feature, not a guarantee per slab.
Yes. The slightly textured riven surface gives non-slip grip (around R11), making it safe around pools, steps and terraces. The riven texture also channels rainwater away, preventing slippery pooling.
Very. Its tight, dense grain resists frost penetration, and it's been used in UK gardens since the 1990s. Properly laid and sealed, a Fossil Mint patio lasts 30–40 years through British winters.
Fossil Mint is available as riven paving only — there's no sawn smooth version of this particular stone. For a smooth pale sandstone, consider Mint Smooth (a sawn honed sandstone).
Seal about 12 weeks after installation, once the stone has fully dried, with a breathable impregnating natural-stone sealer. Reseal every 2–3 years. Avoid acidic cleaners and pressure washing.
Tell us the sizes, quantity and destination. We'll come back with USD/sqft pricing and confirmed lead times — no agents in between.
The pale and warm-toned alternatives UK buyers most often weigh against Fossil Mint — including its smooth sawn cousin.
Speak to our team for pricing, samples, MOQ details and shipping options to your country. Direct from India since 1996.
