Question 1

What is प्रवाल भित्ति शिला (Coral Stone)?

Accepted Answer

प्रवालशिला - Pravālaśilā (Coral Stone), also known as मूंगा पत्थर (Munga Pathar) and विद्रुम शिला (Vidruma Shila), is a biogenic limestone [1] primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) derived from marine coral skeletons. Found extensively along the Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka coasts, and the Lakshadweep Islands, it served as a crucial building material in pre-colonial and medieval Indic architecture. Characterized by high porosity (30-50%) and a density of 1.8-2.2 g/cm³, Pravālaśilā exhibits relatively low compressive strength (5-15 MPa). Traditional quarrying methods involved extracting blocks from submerged coral reefs. Its use is documented in well linings, non-load-bearing walls, and decorative elements of heritage sites. Due to its porous nature, Pravālaśilā is susceptible to weathering and salt erosion, necessitating careful conservation strategies involving desalination and consolidation techniques. பவளக்கல் (Pavazhakal), పగడపు రాయి (Pagadapu raayi), ಹವಳ ಕಲ್ಲು (Havala kallu), and പവിഴക്കല്ല് (Pavizhakkallu) are regional names.

Question 2

What type of material is प्रवाल भित्ति शिला (Coral Stone)?

Accepted Answer

प्रवाल भित्ति शिला (Coral Stone) is classified as Sedimentary Rock, Biogenic Limestone, Calcium Carbonate Rock. Key properties include Compressive Strength: 5-15 MPa, Porosity: 30-50%, Density: 1.8-2.2 g/cm³.

Question 3

Where is प्रवाल भित्ति शिला (Coral Stone) used?

Accepted Answer

प्रवाल भित्ति शिला (Coral Stone) is commonly used in Gujarat Coast, Tamil Nadu Coast, Kerala Coast, Karnataka Coast, Lakshadweep Islands. It is sourced from Gulf of Mannar, Lakshadweep Islands, Coastal Quarries (Gujarat).

Question 4

How is प्रवाल भित्ति शिला (Coral Stone) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

प्रवाल भित्ति शिला (Coral Stone) is used for Exterior Walls, Foundation Stones, Decorative Elements, Well Linings, Non-Load-Bearing Walls, Ornamental Features in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for प्रवाल भित्ति शिला (Coral Stone)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of प्रवाल भित्ति शिला (Coral Stone) requires attention to Susceptible to Salt Weathering and Requires Breathable Lime-Based Consolidants. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	प्रवाल भित्ति शिला (Coral Stone) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Pravāla bhitti śilā Coral Stone 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	प्रवालशिला - Pravālaśilā (Coral Stone), also known as मूंगा पत्थर (Munga Pathar) and विद्रुम शिला (Vidruma Shila), is a biogenic limestone [1] primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) derived from marine coral skeletons. Found extensively along the Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka coasts, and the Lakshadweep Islands, it served as a crucial building material in pre-colonial and medieval Indic architecture. Characterized by high porosity (30-50%) and a density of 1.8-2.2 g/cm³, Pravālaśilā exhibits relatively low compressive strength (5-15 MPa). Traditional quarrying methods involved extracting blocks from submerged coral reefs. Its use is documented in well linings, non-load-bearing walls, and decorative elements of heritage sites. Due to its porous nature, Pravālaśilā is susceptible to weathering and salt erosion, necessitating careful conservation strategies involving desalination and consolidation techniques. பவளக்கல் (Pavazhakal), పగడపు రాయి (Pagadapu raayi), ಹವಳ ಕಲ್ಲು (Havala kallu), and പവിഴക്കല്ല് (Pavizhakkallu) are regional names.
Also Known As	Coral Stone Pravāla bhitti śilā Coral Stone Coral Rock Reef Stone Coral Limestone प्रवाल शैल मूंगा पत्थर विद्रुम शिला பவளக்கல் (Pavazhakal) పగడపు రాయి (Pagadapu raayi) ಹವಳ ಕಲ್ಲು (Havala kallu) പവിഴക്കല്ല് (Pavizhakkallu)
Tags	प्रवाल शिला Pravāla Shilā Coral Stone Limestone Coastal Construction Porous Stone
Material ID	`INHFMAT-647909455-20-11-25-PA`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/coral-stone
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/coral-stone`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

प्रवाल भित्ति शिला (Coral Stone)

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