What is कोंडालाइट शैल (Khondalite)?

खोंडालाइट (Khonḍālaiṭa), also known as कौंडिन्य शैल (Kauṇḍinya Śaila) in some regions, is a metamorphic rock [1], specifically a gneiss, prevalent in the Eastern Ghats of the Indian subcontinent. Its mineral composition includes garnet, sillimanite, feldspar, quartz, and graphite. Density ranges from 2.6-3.2 g/cm³, with compressive strength between 80-200 MPa. Porosity is low, typically 0.1-3%. Historically, खोंडालाइट चट्टान (Khonḍālaiṭa caṭṭāna) has been extensively used in Indic heritage architecture, particularly during the Ganga and Gajapati dynasties. It served as foundation stones, load-bearing walls, and decorative carvings in temples and sculptures. Anisotropic thermal expansion (6-10 x 10^-6/°C) and strength are key considerations. Traditional quarries provided the raw material. Conservation efforts at heritage sites require careful assessment of water absorption (0.1-0.5%) and the impact of weathering on the medium to coarse grain structure. Restoration techniques must account for the material's anisotropic properties to ensure structural integrity.

What type of material is कोंडालाइट शैल (Khondalite)?

कोंडालाइट शैल (Khondalite) is classified as Metamorphic Rock, Gneiss. Key properties include Compressive strength: 80-200 MPa, Porosity: 0.1-3%, Specific gravity: 2.6-3.2 g/cm³.

Where is कोंडालाइट शैल (Khondalite) used?

कोंडालाइट शैल (Khondalite) is commonly used in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Eastern Ghats. It is sourced from Tangi-Chowdwar quarries, Tapang quarries, Eastern Ghats quarries.

How is कोंडालाइट शैल (Khondalite) used in heritage architecture?

कोंडालाइट शैल (Khondalite) is used for Load-bearing walls, Foundation stones, Decorative carvings, Temple construction, Pillars, Sculptures, Paving in heritage architecture. It is found in 7 heritage sites.

कोंडालाइट शैल (Khondalite) | Inheritage Foundation Art & Architecture Thesaurus | Inheritage Foundation

Name: कोंडालाइट शैल (Khondalite)
Rating: 4.5 (7 reviews)
Author: Inheritage Foundation

Title	कोंडालाइट शैल (Khondalite) 4.5/5(Based on 7 heritage sites) Uncommon Konḍālāiṭa śaila Khondalite 4.5/5(Based on 7 heritage sites)
Description	खोंडालाइट (Khonḍālaiṭa), also known as कौंडिन्य शैल (Kauṇḍinya Śaila) in some regions, is a metamorphic rock [1], specifically a gneiss, prevalent in the Eastern Ghats of the Indian subcontinent. Its mineral composition includes garnet, sillimanite, feldspar, quartz, and graphite. Density ranges from 2.6-3.2 g/cm³, with compressive strength between 80-200 MPa. Porosity is low, typically 0.1-3%. Historically, खोंडालाइट चट्टान (Khonḍālaiṭa caṭṭāna) has been extensively used in Indic heritage architecture, particularly during the Ganga and Gajapati dynasties. It served as foundation stones, load-bearing walls, and decorative carvings in temples and sculptures. Anisotropic thermal expansion (6-10 x 10^-6/°C) and strength are key considerations. Traditional quarries provided the raw material. Conservation efforts at heritage sites require careful assessment of water absorption (0.1-0.5%) and the impact of weathering on the medium to coarse grain structure. Restoration techniques must account for the material's anisotropic properties to ensure structural integrity.
Also Known As	Khondalite Konḍālāiṭa śaila Khondalite Khondalite Rock Khondalite Stone Kondalite Kondalite Rock Kondalite Stone कोंडालाइट कोंडालाइट चट्टान खोंडालाइट कोंडालाइट शिला कंधालाइट कंधालाइट शैल कंधालाइट चट्टान कंधालाइट शिला कौंडिन्य शैल कौंडिन्य चट्टान कौंडिन्य शिला कौंडिन्य पाषाण कौंडिन्य पत्थर कौंडिन्य कौंडिन्य पाषाण
Tags	Khondalite Kondalite Metamorphic Rock Gneiss Garnet Sillimanite Odisha Eastern Ghats
Material ID	`INHFMAT-339411001-20-11-25-KN`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/khondalite
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/khondalite`
Total Sites	7
Primary Sites	6
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types	Metamorphic Rock Gneiss

Regions

Regions	Odisha Andhra Pradesh Tamil Nadu Eastern Ghats

Historical Context

Time Periods	Ancient Period Medieval Period
Dynasties	Ganga Dynasty Gajapati Dynasty

Geographic Sources

Sources	Tangi-Chowdwar quarries Tapang quarries Eastern Ghats quarries Kalahandi region quarries Visakhapatnam quarries Specific Khondalite quarries in Odisha Specific geological formations in Eastern Ghats Specific geological formations in Odisha

Properties

Properties	Compressive strength: 80-200 MPa Porosity: 0.1-3% Specific gravity: 2.6-3.2 g/cm³ Density: 2.6-3.2 g/cm³ Thermal expansion coefficient: 6-10 x 10^-6/°C Water absorption: 0.1-0.5% Mineral composition: Garnet, Sillimanite, Feldspar, Quartz, Graphite Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale) Anisotropic thermal expansion Anisotropic strength Thermal conductivity: 2-3 W/mK Medium to coarse grain size

Common Uses

Uses	Load-bearing walls Foundation stones Decorative carvings Temple construction Pillars Sculptures Paving

Related Materials

Materials	Chunā (Lime Mortar) Surkhi (Brick Dust) Kāshtha (Wood) Lohā (Iron) Dhātu (Metal)

Related Styles

Styles	Kalinga architecture Dravidian architecture Regional temple architecture

Related Categories

Categories	Temple Rock-cut architecture Sculpture Fort

Conservation Notes

Notes	Susceptible to weathering Susceptible to exfoliation Susceptible to cracking due to thermal stress Prone to weathering in coastal environments Weathering due to temperature variations Weathering due to mineral alteration Garnet alteration Requires careful cleaning Requires consolidation Requires stabilization treatments Requires consolidation treatments Requires careful handling due to anisotropic nature Requires careful handling due to foliation Protection from water ingress Protection from acid rain

Notes

Susceptible to weathering
Susceptible to exfoliation
Susceptible to cracking due to thermal stress
Prone to weathering in coastal environments
Weathering due to temperature variations
Weathering due to mineral alteration
Garnet alteration
Requires careful cleaning
Requires consolidation
Requires stabilization treatments
Requires consolidation treatments
Requires careful handling due to anisotropic nature
Requires careful handling due to foliation
Protection from water ingress
Protection from acid rain

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Khondalite geology and properties
Geological Survey of India Memoirs	Geological Survey	Geology of Eastern Ghats
Geology of Odisha	Book	Khondalite formations and properties
Geology of Odisha	Geological Survey	Khondalite distribution and properties
Geological Survey of India	Report	Khondalite geology and properties
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Khondalite deposits in Eastern Ghats

Heritage Sites (7)

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Chausath Yogini Temple Bhubaneswar	Primary	100%
Lingaraj Temple Bhubaneswar	Primary	100%
Mukteswara Temple Bhubaneswar	Primary	100%
Raibania Fort Balasore	Primary	100%
Ram Mandir Bhubaneswar	Primary	100%
Sisupalgarh Fort Bhubaneswar	Primary	100%
Rajarani Temple Bhubaneswar	Secondary	100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Title	कोंडालाइट शैल (Khondalite) 4.5/5(Based on 7 heritage sites) Uncommon Konḍālāiṭa śaila Khondalite 4.5/5(Based on 7 heritage sites)
Description	खोंडालाइट (Khonḍālaiṭa), also known as कौंडिन्य शैल (Kauṇḍinya Śaila) in some regions, is a metamorphic rock [1], specifically a gneiss, prevalent in the Eastern Ghats of the Indian subcontinent. Its mineral composition includes garnet, sillimanite, feldspar, quartz, and graphite. Density ranges from 2.6-3.2 g/cm³, with compressive strength between 80-200 MPa. Porosity is low, typically 0.1-3%. Historically, खोंडालाइट चट्टान (Khonḍālaiṭa caṭṭāna) has been extensively used in Indic heritage architecture, particularly during the Ganga and Gajapati dynasties. It served as foundation stones, load-bearing walls, and decorative carvings in temples and sculptures. Anisotropic thermal expansion (6-10 x 10^-6/°C) and strength are key considerations. Traditional quarries provided the raw material. Conservation efforts at heritage sites require careful assessment of water absorption (0.1-0.5%) and the impact of weathering on the medium to coarse grain structure. Restoration techniques must account for the material's anisotropic properties to ensure structural integrity.
Also Known As	Khondalite Konḍālāiṭa śaila Khondalite Khondalite Rock Khondalite Stone Kondalite Kondalite Rock Kondalite Stone कोंडालाइट कोंडालाइट चट्टान खोंडालाइट कोंडालाइट शिला कंधालाइट कंधालाइट शैल कंधालाइट चट्टान कंधालाइट शिला कौंडिन्य शैल कौंडिन्य चट्टान कौंडिन्य शिला कौंडिन्य पाषाण कौंडिन्य पत्थर कौंडिन्य कौंडिन्य पाषाण
Tags	Khondalite Kondalite Metamorphic Rock Gneiss Garnet Sillimanite Odisha Eastern Ghats
Material ID	`INHFMAT-339411001-20-11-25-KN`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/khondalite
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/khondalite`
Total Sites	7
Primary Sites	6
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025