I was wondering if a basking rock would be good for a beard as opposed to a branch. Not a heated rock, just a large rock. Would it get too hot under the heat lamp? If this isn't such a good idea, what are good materials for a basking spot?
A rock would probably be fine. I've seen many others do it before. When you first put it in make sure to monitor the surface temperature constantly to make sure the temp doesn't go over the recommended amounts (105f to 110f for babies - 95f to 102f for adults). Make sure to use a clean rock and if you get one from outside disinfect it WELL. Hope this helps
My Sparky and Ginger both loved their rocks. Sparky had a big, sloped piece of some marble-like stone to sit on while he basked - while Ginger favoured slate. My uncle works with slate, so he'd give us off-cuts and loose chunks every now and then. Sometimes my parents even brought back pretty pebbles from holiday, for a mini rockery in the vivarium!
Of course, we made sure everything was nicely smoothed and sterilised before reptile use.