I took off rock - chipped out mortar - rocks were on a wire mesh backing fasten to the wall by nails and screws. i used a chisel (sacrifical) to chip out the mortar and pull chunks of rocks down. In some instances pieces of the mesh were torn - in others I had to pry out the nails. There was drywall underneath - there were some divots and digs which I replastered and then painted. I do not use the fireplace - closed it up and have a sofa located there.