Question 1

What is द्रवित (Dravite)?

Accepted Answer

Dravite, or *dravit* (द्रवित), a magnesium-rich tourmaline [1], is rarely a primary construction material but may occur as a minor component within larger stone aggregates used in Indic heritage architecture. Its chemical formula is ideally NaMg3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4. Dravite exhibits a hardness of 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale and a density of 3.0-3.1 g/cm³ [1]. Found in metamorphic rocks across the Indian subcontinent, its presence in *shila* (शिला, stone) from traditional quarries could influence the overall durability.

While not directly quarried like *makrana* (मकरना, marble), dravite's presence affects the physical properties of the host stone. Its vitreous to resinous luster and brown to yellowish-brown color (पीत-भूरा टूमलाइन) are aesthetic factors. Conservation efforts at sites like Hampi or Khajuraho must consider the impact of weathering on dravite-containing stones. Traditional *vastu shastra* (वास्तु शास्त्र) texts do not explicitly detail dravite, but the selection of durable *shila* implicitly considered mineralogical composition. Its presence necessitates specialized conservation techniques to prevent differential weathering [2], [3].

Question 2

What type of material is द्रवित (Dravite)?

Accepted Answer

द्रवित (Dravite) is classified as Mineral, Silicate Mineral, Tourmaline Group Mineral. Key properties include Hardness: 7-7.5 Mohs, Density: 3.0-3.1 g/cm³, Refractive Index: 1.610-1.640.

Question 3

Where is द्रवित (Dravite) used?

Accepted Answer

द्रवित (Dravite) is commonly used in India, Global. It is sourced from Metamorphic rock deposits, Pegmatites.

Question 4

How is द्रवित (Dravite) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

द्रवित (Dravite) is used for Gemstone, Mineral Specimen, Source of Magnesium (Historically), Aggregate (Rarely, if present in large quantities within other stones) in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for द्रवित (Dravite)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of द्रवित (Dravite) requires attention to Generally Stable and Avoid prolonged exposure to strong acids. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	द्रवित (Dravite) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Dravit Dravite 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	Dravite, or dravit (द्रवित), a magnesium-rich tourmaline [1], is rarely a primary construction material but may occur as a minor component within larger stone aggregates used in Indic heritage architecture. Its chemical formula is ideally NaMg3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4. Dravite exhibits a hardness of 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale and a density of 3.0-3.1 g/cm³ [1]. Found in metamorphic rocks across the Indian subcontinent, its presence in shila (शिला, stone) from traditional quarries could influence the overall durability. While not directly quarried like makrana (मकरना, marble), dravite's presence affects the physical properties of the host stone. Its vitreous to resinous luster and brown to yellowish-brown color (पीत-भूरा टूमलाइन) are aesthetic factors. Conservation efforts at sites like Hampi or Khajuraho must consider the impact of weathering on dravite-containing stones. Traditional vastu shastra (वास्तु शास्त्र) texts do not explicitly detail dravite, but the selection of durable shila implicitly considered mineralogical composition. Its presence necessitates specialized conservation techniques to prevent differential weathering [2], [3].
Also Known As	Dravite Dravit Dravite Brown Tourmaline Magnesium Tourmaline Yellow Tourmaline Yellow-Brown Tourmaline द्रवित भूरा टूमलाइन पीला टूमलाइन मैग्नीशियम टूमलाइन पीत-भूरा टूमलाइन துருவைட் (Turuvaiṭ) ద్రవైట్ (Dravaiṭ) ದ್ರವೈಟ್ (Dravaiṭ) ദ്രാവിറ്റ് (Drāviṭṭ)
Tags	Dravite Tourmaline Magnesium Tourmaline Mineral Silicate Borosilicate
Material ID	`INHFMAT-624793105-20-11-25-DT`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/dravite
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/dravite`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

द्रवित (Dravite)

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