Question 1

What is कृष्ण प्रस्तर (Black Granite)?

Accepted Answer

कृष्ण शिला (Krishna Shilā), also known as श्याम पाषाण (Śyāma Pāṣāṇa) or "black stone," is a dark-colored seam-face granite [1], an igneous rock valued in Indic heritage architecture for its durability and aesthetic qualities. Predominantly sourced from quarries in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, its composition includes feldspar, quartz, and mica. Density ranges from 2.65-2.75 g/cm³, with compressive strength between 150-250 MPa [2]. Water absorption is typically less than 0.5%.

Historically, dynasties like the Cholas and the Vijayanagara Empire extensively utilized कृष्ण शिला for foundation stones, load-bearing walls, flooring, and intricate carvings in temples and palaces. Traditional construction methods leveraged its high compressive strength. Conservation efforts at heritage sites often involve specialized techniques to address weathering and biological growth on the stone surfaces. Restoration projects require careful matching of original stone sources and traditional craftsmanship [3].

Question 2

What type of material is कृष्ण प्रस्तर (Black Granite)?

Accepted Answer

कृष्ण प्रस्तर (Black Granite) is classified as Igneous Rock, Granite. Key properties include Density: 2.65-2.75 g/cm³, Compressive Strength: 150-250 MPa, Water Absorption: <0.5%.

Question 3

Where is कृष्ण प्रस्तर (Black Granite) used?

Accepted Answer

कृष्ण प्रस्तर (Black Granite) is commonly used in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh. It is sourced from Quarries in Kanakapura, Karnataka, Quarries in Salem, Tamil Nadu.

Question 4

How is कृष्ण प्रस्तर (Black Granite) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

कृष्ण प्रस्तर (Black Granite) is used for Foundation Stones, Load-Bearing Walls, Decorative Carvings, Flooring, Sculptures, Paving in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for कृष्ण प्रस्तर (Black Granite)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of कृष्ण प्रस्तर (Black Granite) requires attention to Resistant to Weathering and Susceptible to Staining from Oils and Acids. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	कृष्ण प्रस्तर (Black Granite) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Kṛṣṇa Prastara Black Granite 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	कृष्ण शिला (Krishna Shilā), also known as श्याम पाषाण (Śyāma Pāṣāṇa) or "black stone," is a dark-colored seam-face granite [1], an igneous rock valued in Indic heritage architecture for its durability and aesthetic qualities. Predominantly sourced from quarries in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, its composition includes feldspar, quartz, and mica. Density ranges from 2.65-2.75 g/cm³, with compressive strength between 150-250 MPa [2]. Water absorption is typically less than 0.5%. Historically, dynasties like the Cholas and the Vijayanagara Empire extensively utilized कृष्ण शिला for foundation stones, load-bearing walls, flooring, and intricate carvings in temples and palaces. Traditional construction methods leveraged its high compressive strength. Conservation efforts at heritage sites often involve specialized techniques to address weathering and biological growth on the stone surfaces. Restoration projects require careful matching of original stone sources and traditional craftsmanship [3].
Also Known As	Black Granite Kṛṣṇa Prastara Black Granite Nero Absolute Granite Absolute Black Granite काला ग्रेनाइट कृष्ण शिला श्याम पाषाण கருப்பு கிரானைட் (Karuppu kiraṇaiṭ) నల్ల గ్రానైట్ (Nalla grānaiṭ) ಕಪ್ಪು ಗ್ರಾನೈಟ್ (Kappu grānaiṭ) കറുത്ത ഗ്രാനൈറ്റ് (Karutta grānaiṯ)
Tags	Krishna Shila Black Granite Granite Igneous Rock Quarry Construction Material
Material ID	`INHFMAT-011464122-20-11-25-KC`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/black-granite
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/black-granite`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Ancient Medieval Modern
Dynasties	Chola Dynasty Vijayanagara Empire

कृष्ण प्रस्तर (Black Granite)

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Heritage Sites (1)

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