| Title | कृष्ण ग्रेनाइट शिला (Krishna Gray Granite)Rare Kṛṣṇa Grenāiṭa Śilā Krishna Gray Granite |
|---|---|
| Description | कृष्ण शिला (Krishna Shilā), also termed धूसर ग्रेनाइट (Dhūsara grēnaiṭa), is a coarse-grained, intrusive igneous rock [1]. Predominantly composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica, its geological origin lies in the slow cooling of magma deep within the Earth's crust. Quarries in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have historically served as primary sources. Possessing a compressive strength of 100-250 MPa and a density of 2.6-2.7 g/cm³ [2], Krishna Shilā exhibits low porosity (0.5-1.5%) and a thermal expansion coefficient of 7-9 x 10⁻⁶/°C. Its durability rendered it a favoured *pāṣāṇa* (stone) for foundation stones, load-bearing walls, and paving, particularly during the Medieval Period. The Wodeyar Dynasty extensively utilized it in architectural elements and sculptures. Traditional construction methods leveraged its inherent strength. Conservation efforts at heritage sites necessitate careful consideration of its physical properties and compatibility with restoration materials. Addressing weathering and erosion is crucial for long-term preservation. [3] |
| Also Known As | Krishna Gray Granite Kṛṣṇa Grenāiṭa Śilā Krishna Granite Gray Granite Black Granite (depending on shade) Dark Granite कृष्ण शिला धूसर ग्रेनाइट श्याम ग्रेनाइट கருப்பு கிரானைட் (Karuppu kiraṇaiṭ) నల్ల గ్రానైట్ (Nalla grānaiṭ) ಕಪ್ಪು ಗ್ರಾನೈಟ್ (Kappu grānaiṭ) കറുത്ത ഗ്രാനൈറ്റ് (Karutta grānaiṟṟ) कृष्ण पाषाण |
| Tags | Krishna Shila Granite Quarry Masonry Construction Material |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-329300524-20-11-25-KN |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/gray-granite |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/gray-granite |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
External References
Material Types
| Types | Igneous Rock Granite |
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Regions
| Regions | Karnataka Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh |
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Historical Context
| Time Periods | Medieval Period British Colonial Period |
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| Dynasties | Wodeyar Dynasty |
Geographic Sources
| Sources | Aihole quarries Kanakapura quarries |
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Properties
| Properties | Compressive strength: 100-250 MPa Density: 2.6-2.7 g/cm³ Porosity: 0.5-1.5% Thermal expansion coefficient: 7-9 x 10⁻⁶/°C |
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Common Uses
| Uses | Foundation stones Load-bearing walls Paving Structural support Sculptures Architectural elements |
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Related Materials
| Materials | Chunā (Lime Mortar) Reti (Sand) |
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Related Styles
| Styles | Dravidian architecture Indo-Saracenic architecture |
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Related Categories
| Categories | Palace Temple |
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Conservation Notes
| Notes |
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Recommended Sources
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASI Technical Bulletin | Technical Report | Material analysis |
Heritage Sites (1)
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mysore Palace Mysuru | Primary | 100% |