| Title | कोंडालाइट शैल (Khondalite)Uncommon Konḍālāiṭa śaila Khondalite |
|---|---|
| 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://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/khondalite |
| Total Sites | 7 |
| Primary Sites | 6 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Metamorphic Rock Gneiss |
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| Regions | Odisha Andhra Pradesh Tamil Nadu Eastern Ghats |
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| Time Periods | Ancient Period Medieval Period |
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| Dynasties | Ganga Dynasty Gajapati Dynasty |
| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| Uses | Load-bearing walls Foundation stones Decorative carvings Temple construction Pillars Sculptures Paving |
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| Materials | Chunā (Lime Mortar) Surkhi (Brick Dust) Kāshtha (Wood) Lohā (Iron) Dhātu (Metal) |
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| Styles | Kalinga architecture Dravidian architecture Regional temple architecture |
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| Categories | Temple Rock-cut architecture Sculpture Fort |
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| Notes |
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| 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 |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | 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% |