Faking rock with concrete

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What sort of mix should I use for concrete to fake a rock like surface and how can I get a natural stone-like sandy coloured finish?
(The concrete will be about 3" thick.)
 
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i think wire mesh covered in concrete will look like wire mesh covered in concrete.

i would go for rocks or shards of slate, that will look great. and the slate looks fantastic with water cascading over it.
 
(Thanks for the suggestions guys. I've reworded the question so that other information doesn't distract from the question I actually need answering.)
 
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Forming rockwork with concrete on chicken wire is a well founded practice and can look extremely convincing (there is a whole industry devoted to such practices) I'm not sure a DIYer having a go will look any good though.

But for a matter of fact to any doubters in this thread it is a recognised practice.

Google 'aquarium theming' or 'forming rock with concrete'.
 
(Thanks for the suggestions guys. I've reworded the question so that other information doesn't distract from the question I actually need answering.)

In answer to your question then, I don't think you can :rolleyes:

There are colourants that you can add to cement, but you will need quite a lot to get the colour youdesire in 3" concrete.
As for the Rock Texture i don't think you can, what about pattern imprinted concrete ??
Or dropping stones into the concrete as it's setting ?
 
Geoff Hamilton on Gardeners World many years ago famously made some artificial rocks. The basic recipe was two parts (by volume) composted bark or coir to one part sharp sand to one part cement mixed with water to a porridge-like consistency. To make rocks he dug an irregular shaped hole, lined it with plastic with plenty of creases and poured in the mixture. You then paint it with yoghurt to encourage lichens etc.
Do a google for hyper tufa.
 
Thanks again to all for the input.
But first prize goes to StephenW for the term hypertufa.

No further answers are required (unless anyone has first hand experience of making hypertufa).

(I remain to be convinced by the yoghurt but as Sir Thomas Beecham said, "Try everything once ..." ;))
 
Just remember, that when he made these artifical rocks they were I assume ornamental, not load bearing.

Make sure that it is "Hypertufa" and not Hyper Useless ;)
 

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