Sterilizing Sea Rocks?

[causeascene203]

I was taking a walk down the beach the other day, and I found a few of these amazing rocks. They're almost like slate, but thick and flat with rounded edges that have been all smoothed down by the ocean. There's two that would make a beautiful basking platform when stacked, and a ton of thin flat ones that would make a great cave.

I know there are some types of rocks that, er, explode when you put them in the oven. Can I just soak these in a strong bleach solution to sterilize them, or do you guys recommend not using them at all because they're from the ocean? I have chlorhexidine, too, if that will work better.

 

[RedHandFilms]

Rocks explode in the oven because of moisture in them rapidly expanding. Changes in temperature need to happen slowly. You can still bake them. Normally, you'd just bake at 300*F for 30 minutes, but since you're so worried about them exploding, we'll slow the process down.
First, leave them to dry on their own for a few days. Put them in the sun if you can. Make sure they don't get rained on or anything or you'll have to start the process over.
Once dry, place them in the oven. Do not preheat. Turn the oven on it's lowest setting, like 150*F and leave them for 30 minutes.
Then, turn the oven up to about 225*F and leave them for about 30 minutes.
Then up to 300*F for 30 minutes.
Now we reverse for a slow cool down. 250 for 15 minutes. 200 for 15 minutes. 150 for 15 minutes.
Now turn the oven off. Do not open the door. Don't let the heat out. It will dissipate slowly through the vent.
I'd suggest leaving the rocks in overnight to let them cool completely.
There you have it. This method should be enough to reduce the risk of cracking or exploding and it will be sure to kill any bugs in the rocks.
Good luck, and be sure to share some pictures when you're done.

 

[causeascene203]

Awesome. Thanks so much. I'll share pictures when I'm done.