| Title | बुल्गारियाई चूना पत्थर (Bulgarian Limestone)Rare Bulgāriyāī cūnā patthar Bulgarian Limestone |
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| Description | चूना पत्थर (Chunā Patthar), or limestone, a sedimentary rock primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) [1], has a long history in Indic architecture. Known as *sudhāshila* (सुधाशिला) in Sanskrit, it was extensively used from the Mauryan period onwards. Quarried from regions across the Indian subcontinent, including Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, it served as a key *vastu* (वस्तु) or building material. Bulgarian limestone, with a density of approximately 2.6 g/cm³, exhibits compressive strength ranging from 20-80 MPa and porosity between 5-20%. Its traditional use includes *stambha* (स्तम्भ) or pillars, *bhitti* (भित्ति) or walls, and *shilpa* (शिल्प) or sculptures. The Mughals favored it for structures like the Taj Mahal, often inlaid with precious stones. Durability depends on porosity and environmental factors. Conservation necessitates understanding its chemical weathering processes and employing appropriate consolidation techniques to preserve heritage sites. Traditional lime mortars, *vajralepa* (वज्रलेप), were often used in conjunction with चूना पत्थर [2]. |
| Also Known As | Bulgarian Limestone Bulgāriyāī cūnā patthar Bulgarian Limestone Limestone Calcium Carbonate Stone Chalkstone चूना पत्थर कैल्शियम कार्बोनेट पत्थर खटीक पत्थर சுண்ணாம்புக்கல் (Cunnāmpukkal) సున్నపురాయి (Sunnapuraayi) ಸುಣ್ಣಕಲ್ಲು (Sunnakallu) சுண்ணாம்புக்கல் (Chunnaambukkal) சுண்ணாம்புக்கல் (Cunnāmpukkal) |
| Tags | चूना पत्थर Chuna Patthar Limestone Calcite Sedimentary Rock Bulgaria Building Stone |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-607587281-20-11-25-CI |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/bulgarian-limestone |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/bulgarian-limestone |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 0 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Sedimentary Rock Limestone Calcium Carbonate |
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| Regions | Bulgaria |
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| Sources | Bulgarian quarries |
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| Properties | Compressive strength: 20-80 MPa Porosity: 5-20% Density: 2.6 g/cm³ Water absorption: 1-5% |
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| Uses | Stone Cladding Flooring Wall Construction Paving Sculptural Elements |
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| Materials | चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust) |
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| Categories | Temple Monument |
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| Notes |
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| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Akshardham Robbinsville | Secondary | 100% |