One more tidbit, I have searched the internet and found many rock types with japenese names.. this isnt helpful.. imagine going to home depot and asking for some japanese name rock.. imagine the dumb looks of ignorance you will get.. if you have the common name or I hate to say it american name it would help alot.. thanks.. I do have several rock quarries I can go to around my place so would rather call first before I show up with a truck..

Pea stone or pea gravel works well, and won't harm pondlife. I use 1/2" pea stone in areas where stepping stones provide access, and 3/4" pea stone on paths that are walked on directly.

If you have a stoneyard in your area, they might have it or be able to order it. Here it costs about $35 a cubic yard.

I have pea gravel for my pond.. I was thinking most japanese or chinese gardens though the rock was more white or grey.. I really like the crushed granite just cant find it.. was wondering about what else people use. Doesnt have to be politically correct japanese stone, but does have to be non threatening to fish if I have a pond overflow..

Thanks,
Kevin

A lot of it comes down to what's available in your area. Up here in New England, we have lots of granite and it's not hard to find crushed granite or "turkey grit" -- small, sharp-edged pebbles of granite, granite gneiss or other such rock.

But I notice that in a lot of other regions, the availability varies. You can usually order stuff special if you have the budget, and a reliable stoneyard will "import" it from another part of the country. But the places that carry only native/local materials may be able to offer only sandstone, limestone, or whatever the regional "stone du jour" happens to be.