What is चूना गारा (Lime Mortar)?

சுண்ணாம்புச் சாந்து - Cuṇṇāmpuc cāntu (Lime Mortar) is a binding material extensively used in Indic heritage architecture from the Mauryan period (3rd century BCE) onwards [2]. Its primary component is calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) derived from calcined limestone, often sourced from regional quarries [3]. The mortar typically comprises lime, water, and aggregates like sand or *surkhi* (burnt brick powder) [1]. Traditional texts refer to it as *Sudhalepa* (सुधालेपः) [3]. Cuṇṇāmpuc cāntu exhibits high porosity (20-40%), enabling breathability and reducing moisture-related damage in structures. Compressive strength ranges from 2-5 MPa (non-hydraulic) to 5-10 MPa (hydraulic), varying with additives [3]. Its thermal expansion coefficient is similar to stone and brick, minimizing stress [3]. Setting time is slow, spanning weeks to months, allowing for autogenous healing of micro-cracks [3]. Conservation efforts at sites like Hampi and Tanjore prioritize lime mortar for its compatibility with original materials [3]. The Mughal period (16th-18th century CE) saw widespread use in monuments, showcasing its durability [3]. Restoration necessitates careful analysis of original mortar composition to ensure material compatibility [3].

What type of material is चूना गारा (Lime Mortar)?

चूना गारा (Lime Mortar) is classified as Binding Material, Mortar, Plaster, Binder, Binding Agent, Calcium Hydroxide, Hydraulic Lime, Non-Hydraulic Lime, Lime-based Mortar, Composite Material, Adhesive, Hydraulic Binder, Cementitious Material, Fat Lime, Kankar Lime, Cement, Non-Hydraulic Lime Mortar, Hydraulic Lime Mortar. Key properties include Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa, Porosity: 20-30%, Density: 1200-1500 kg/m³.

What are the conservation considerations for चूना गारा (Lime Mortar)?

Conservation of चूना गारा (Lime Mortar) requires attention to Susceptible to acid rain and Requires slow curing. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

चूना गारा (Lime Mortar) | Inheritage Foundation Art & Architecture Thesaurus | Inheritage Foundation

Name: चूना गारा (Lime Mortar)
Rating: 4.5 (6 reviews)
Author: Inheritage Foundation

Title	चूना गारा (Lime Mortar) 4.5/5(Based on 6 heritage sites) Uncommon Cūnā gārā Lime Mortar 4.5/5(Based on 6 heritage sites)
Description	சுண்ணாம்புச் சாந்து - Cuṇṇāmpuc cāntu (Lime Mortar) is a binding material extensively used in Indic heritage architecture from the Mauryan period (3rd century BCE) onwards [2]. Its primary component is calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) derived from calcined limestone, often sourced from regional quarries [3]. The mortar typically comprises lime, water, and aggregates like sand or surkhi (burnt brick powder) [1]. Traditional texts refer to it as Sudhalepa (सुधालेपः) [3]. Cuṇṇāmpuc cāntu exhibits high porosity (20-40%), enabling breathability and reducing moisture-related damage in structures. Compressive strength ranges from 2-5 MPa (non-hydraulic) to 5-10 MPa (hydraulic), varying with additives [3]. Its thermal expansion coefficient is similar to stone and brick, minimizing stress [3]. Setting time is slow, spanning weeks to months, allowing for autogenous healing of micro-cracks [3]. Conservation efforts at sites like Hampi and Tanjore prioritize lime mortar for its compatibility with original materials [3]. The Mughal period (16th-18th century CE) saw widespread use in monuments, showcasing its durability [3]. Restoration necessitates careful analysis of original mortar composition to ensure material compatibility [3].
Also Known As	Lime Mortar Cūnā gārā Lime Mortar Lime Plaster Hydraulic Lime Mortar Non-Hydraulic Lime Mortar चूना गारा चूना मसाला सुधालेपः சுண்ணாம்புச் சாந்து సున్నపు మోర్టార్ ಸುಣ್ಣದ ಗಾರೆ சுண்ணாம்புச் சாந்து
Tags	चूना Chunā Lime Mortar Binding Material Surkhi Plaster Binding Lime Mortar Traditional Breathable Binding Agent Calcium Carbonation Lime Plaster Masonry Pozzolan Temple Chuna Binder Kankar Uttarakhand Historic Rajasthan Sudhā Calcination Breathability Telangana Calcium Hydroxide Kalaburagi Calcium Carbonate Traditional Mortar Breathable Mortar Hydraulic Lime Calcium hydroxide Sudha सुरखी Pozzolanic Tibet Lime mortar Traditional mortar Breathable mortar Sikkim Binding material Limestone Udayagiri चूना मसाला Chunā Masālā सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust) Chūnā Cuṇṇāmpu cāntu Cuṇṇāmpuc cāntu சுண்ணாம்புச் சாந்து
Material ID	`INHFMAT-078085616-20-11-25-CC`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/lime-mortar
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/lime-mortar`
Total Sites	6
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types	Binding Material Mortar Plaster Binder Binding Agent Calcium Hydroxide Hydraulic Lime Non-Hydraulic Lime Lime-based Mortar Composite Material Adhesive Hydraulic Binder Cementitious Material Fat Lime Kankar Lime Cement Non-Hydraulic Lime Mortar Hydraulic Lime Mortar

Regions

Regions	Rajasthan Uttar Pradesh Tamil Nadu Central Province, Sri Lanka Gujarat Pan-India Karnataka Andhra Pradesh Pan India Widespread use across the subcontinent Pan-Indian Bihar Himachal Pradesh Odisha Assam Telangana Haryana Madhya Pradesh Uttarakhand Especially prevalent in traditional structures Jharkhand Maharashtra All of India Punjab Tripura Sri Lanka Widespread Kerala Throughout India Gandhara region Meghalaya Northeast India Across India Especially prevalent in traditional construction Tibet Himalayan Region Sikkim India Chhattisgarh Kabul region Panjab West Bengal Nagaland Especially prevalent in traditional architecture Throughout India and Sri Lanka

Rajasthan

Uttar Pradesh

Tamil Nadu

Central Province, Sri Lanka

Gujarat

Pan-India

Karnataka

Andhra Pradesh

Pan India

Widespread use across the subcontinent

Pan-Indian

Bihar

Himachal Pradesh

Odisha

Assam

Telangana

Haryana

Madhya Pradesh

Uttarakhand

Especially prevalent in traditional structures

Jharkhand

Maharashtra

All of India

Punjab

Tripura

Sri Lanka

Widespread

Kerala

Throughout India

Gandhara region

Meghalaya

Northeast India

Across India

Especially prevalent in traditional construction

Tibet

Himalayan Region

Sikkim

India

Chhattisgarh

Kabul region

Panjab

West Bengal

Nagaland

Especially prevalent in traditional architecture

Throughout India and Sri Lanka

Historical Context

Time Periods	3rd century BCE Medieval Period CE Mughal Period Ancient Period Mughal Period (16th-18th century CE) Ancient times Mughal Period CE Ancient Period BCE Modern Period CE Mughal Period (1526-1857 CE) 3rd century BCE onwards Continuous use throughout Indian history Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1700 BCE) Mauryan Period (322-185 BCE) Ancient Medieval Modern Ancient Times British Colonial Period (1757-1947) Colonial Period 17th century CE Ancient India Mughal 16th century CE Mughal Era Colonial Era Modern Era Qutb Shahi Dynasty Ancient to Medieval 18th Century CE 14th century CE Kakatiya Dynasty (12th-14th century CE) Ancient Period CE Gupta Period (320-550 CE) Ancient to Present 12th century CE British Colonial Period Present Ancient times onwards Colonial Vijayanagara Empire 16th-18th century CE Ahom Kingdom (1228-1826) Pre-colonial Era 17th Century CE 7th century CE Medieval Period 13th century CE Yuan Dynasty Sikh Empire Period CE 11th century CE Kalachuri period Ancient - Present 3rd century BCE (Mauryan Period) Mughal period (16th-18th century CE) 11th Century CE 12th Century CE Maratha Period Ahom Dynasty Period Chola Period (9th-13th century CE) Vijayanagara Period (14th-17th century CE) 3rd century BCE - Present 2nd century CE 18th century CE 8th century CE 14th-17th century CE Nayaka Period (16th-17th century CE) Mauryan period (322-185 BCE) Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 CE) Mughal Period (16th-19th century CE) Mughal period Colonial Period CE Pre-colonial era
Dynasties	Maurya Gupta Delhi Sultanate Mughal Chola Maurya Dynasty Gupta Dynasty Chola Dynasty Mughal Dynasty Maurya Empire Gupta Empire Mughal Empire Vijayanagara Empire Rajput Mauryan Dynasty Mauryan Katoch dynasty Vijayanagara Mauryan Empire Chalukya Hoysala Qutb Shahi dynasty All dynasties Rajput clans Qutb Shahi Ahom Dynasty Tughlaq Dynasty Kakatiya Various Bahmani Chauhan Dynasty Ghurid Dynasty Khilji Dynasty Rajput Kingdoms All Various dynasties across India and Tibet Chudasama dynasty Gujarat Sultanate Rajput Dynasties Pala Kandyan Reddy Dynasty Jaintia Kings Kushan Ahom Bundela Dynasty Maratha Fifth Dalai Lama's Reign Maratha Empire Namgyal Dynasty Tibetan Empire Sakya Dynasty Sikh Kalachuri Regional dynasties Eastern Ganga Dynasty Yadava Dynasty Portuguese Possibly Tomara or Chauhan Kushan Dynasty Katoch Dynasty British Gahadavala Various regional kingdoms British East India Company Katyuri Gajapati dynasty Chera Dynasty Nayaka Dynasty Nayaka

Time Periods

3rd century BCE

Medieval Period CE

Mughal Period

Ancient Period

Mughal Period (16th-18th century CE)

Ancient times

Mughal Period CE

Ancient Period BCE

Modern Period CE

Mughal Period (1526-1857 CE)

3rd century BCE onwards

Continuous use throughout Indian history

Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1700 BCE)

Mauryan Period (322-185 BCE)

Ancient

Medieval

Modern

Ancient Times

British Colonial Period (1757-1947)

Colonial Period

17th century CE

Ancient India

Mughal

16th century CE

Mughal Era

Colonial Era

Modern Era

Qutb Shahi Dynasty

Ancient to Medieval

18th Century CE

14th century CE

Kakatiya Dynasty (12th-14th century CE)

Ancient Period CE

Gupta Period (320-550 CE)

Ancient to Present

12th century CE

British Colonial Period

Present

Ancient times onwards

Colonial

Vijayanagara Empire

16th-18th century CE

Ahom Kingdom (1228-1826)

Pre-colonial Era

17th Century CE

7th century CE

Medieval Period

13th century CE

Yuan Dynasty

Sikh Empire Period CE

11th century CE

Kalachuri period

Ancient - Present

3rd century BCE (Mauryan Period)

Mughal period (16th-18th century CE)

11th Century CE

12th Century CE

Maratha Period

Ahom Dynasty Period

Chola Period (9th-13th century CE)

Vijayanagara Period (14th-17th century CE)

3rd century BCE - Present

2nd century CE

18th century CE

8th century CE

14th-17th century CE

Nayaka Period (16th-17th century CE)

Mauryan period (322-185 BCE)

Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 CE)

Mughal Period (16th-19th century CE)

Mughal period

Colonial Period CE

Pre-colonial era

Dynasties

Maurya

Gupta

Delhi Sultanate

Mughal

Chola

Maurya Dynasty

Gupta Dynasty

Chola Dynasty

Mughal Dynasty

Maurya Empire

Gupta Empire

Mughal Empire

Vijayanagara Empire

Rajput

Mauryan Dynasty

Mauryan

Katoch dynasty

Vijayanagara

Mauryan Empire

Chalukya

Hoysala

Qutb Shahi dynasty

All dynasties

Rajput clans

Qutb Shahi

Ahom Dynasty

Tughlaq Dynasty

Kakatiya

Various

Bahmani

Chauhan Dynasty

Ghurid Dynasty

Khilji Dynasty

Rajput Kingdoms

All

Various dynasties across India and Tibet

Chudasama dynasty

Gujarat Sultanate

Rajput Dynasties

Pala

Kandyan

Reddy Dynasty

Jaintia Kings

Kushan

Ahom

Bundela Dynasty

Maratha

Fifth Dalai Lama's Reign

Maratha Empire

Namgyal Dynasty

Tibetan Empire

Sakya Dynasty

Sikh

Kalachuri

Regional dynasties

Eastern Ganga Dynasty

Yadava Dynasty

Portuguese

Possibly Tomara or Chauhan

Kushan Dynasty

Katoch Dynasty

British

Gahadavala

Various regional kingdoms

British East India Company

Katyuri

Gajapati dynasty

Chera Dynasty

Nayaka Dynasty

Nayaka

Geographic Sources

Sources	Limestone quarries Shell deposits Local limestone deposits Local limestone quarries Shell lime production Lime kilns Shell lime production (coastal regions) Shell lime production sites specific geographic sources Local lime kilns Limestone quarries in Rajasthan Shell lime from coastal regions Limestone deposits Shell lime (coastal regions) Brick kilns for Surkhi Limestone quarries across India Specific geographic sources Calcined limestone deposits Shell lime production in coastal areas Specific lime kilns in Odisha Local limestone deposits in Assam Shell lime sources Limestone deposits in Nalgonda district Kilns near Kurukshetra (historically) Locally sourced limestone Shell lime production along coastal regions Local Kankar deposits Local lime kilns near Chandragiri Local limestone quarries near Hyderabad Seashells (for sea lime) specific regional sources Lime kilns near settlements Local kilns Local limestone deposits (specific locations unknown) Kankar (lime nodules) from riverbeds Limestone quarries in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh Shell lime production along coastlines Brick kilns for surkhi Local lime kilns near Mandu Limestone deposits in Madhya Pradesh Shell lime deposits Locally sourced limestone deposits Kilns near construction sites Limestone quarries in various regions Local limestone kilns Traditional lime kilns Lime kilns using locally sourced limestone Kankar deposits specific lime sources Lime kilns using limestone deposits Specific limestone quarries in India and Sri Lanka Local limestone deposits near Kondapalli Specific regional sources Kankar (lime nodule) deposits Local limestone quarries and kilns Shell lime production in coastal regions Specific limestone deposits Specific regional lime kilns specific lime kilns Brick kilns near Nartiang Brick kilns for सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust) Lime kilns in various regions Specific lime kilns Lime kilns near limestone deposits Local sources Kankar lime deposits Local limestone deposits in Sikkim Local lime kilns near Raigarh Limestone deposits in Tibet and surrounding regions Surkhi from brick kilns Locally produced from limestone deposits Shell lime production along the coast Lime kilns near construction sites Local limestone quarries in Himachal Pradesh Limestone quarries in Rajasthan and Gujarat Local markets Specific regional limestone deposits Shell lime sources (coastal regions) Local limestone deposits near Udayagiri Kankar deposits in alluvial plains Specific lime kilns in Rajasthan Brick kilns (for Surkhi) Riverbeds (for sand) River sand deposits Limestone quarries in the Himalayan foothills Riverbeds for sand Local quarries for aggregates Lime kilns using limestone or kankar Surkhi production from brick kilns Lime quarries in Rajasthan Sand quarries Specific lime production sites Locally produced from limestone and sand Local sand deposits

Sources

Limestone quarries

Shell deposits

Local limestone deposits

Local limestone quarries

Shell lime production

Lime kilns

Shell lime production (coastal regions)

Shell lime production sites

specific geographic sources

Local lime kilns

Limestone quarries in Rajasthan

Shell lime from coastal regions

Limestone deposits

Shell lime (coastal regions)

Brick kilns for Surkhi

Limestone quarries across India

Specific geographic sources

Calcined limestone deposits

Shell lime production in coastal areas

Specific lime kilns in Odisha

Local limestone deposits in Assam

Shell lime sources

Limestone deposits in Nalgonda district

Kilns near Kurukshetra (historically)

Locally sourced limestone

Shell lime production along coastal regions

Local Kankar deposits

Local lime kilns near Chandragiri

Local limestone quarries near Hyderabad

Seashells (for sea lime)

specific regional sources

Lime kilns near settlements

Local kilns

Local limestone deposits (specific locations unknown)

Kankar (lime nodules) from riverbeds

Limestone quarries in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh

Shell lime production along coastlines

Brick kilns for surkhi

Local lime kilns near Mandu

Limestone deposits in Madhya Pradesh

Shell lime deposits

Locally sourced limestone deposits

Kilns near construction sites

Limestone quarries in various regions

Local limestone kilns

Traditional lime kilns

Lime kilns using locally sourced limestone

Kankar deposits

specific lime sources

Lime kilns using limestone deposits

Specific limestone quarries in India and Sri Lanka

Local limestone deposits near Kondapalli

Specific regional sources

Kankar (lime nodule) deposits

Local limestone quarries and kilns

Shell lime production in coastal regions

Specific limestone deposits

Specific regional lime kilns

specific lime kilns

Brick kilns near Nartiang

Brick kilns for सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust)

Lime kilns in various regions

Specific lime kilns

Lime kilns near limestone deposits

Local sources

Kankar lime deposits

Local limestone deposits in Sikkim

Local lime kilns near Raigarh

Limestone deposits in Tibet and surrounding regions

Surkhi from brick kilns

Locally produced from limestone deposits

Shell lime production along the coast

Lime kilns near construction sites

Local limestone quarries in Himachal Pradesh

Limestone quarries in Rajasthan and Gujarat

Local markets

Specific regional limestone deposits

Shell lime sources (coastal regions)

Local limestone deposits near Udayagiri

Kankar deposits in alluvial plains

Specific lime kilns in Rajasthan

Brick kilns (for Surkhi)

Riverbeds (for sand)

River sand deposits

Limestone quarries in the Himalayan foothills

Riverbeds for sand

Local quarries for aggregates

Lime kilns using limestone or kankar

Surkhi production from brick kilns

Lime quarries in Rajasthan

Sand quarries

Specific lime production sites

Locally produced from limestone and sand

Local sand deposits

Properties

Properties	Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa Porosity: 20-30% Density: 1200-1500 kg/m³ Water permeability: High Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa Setting time: Varies with additives Compressive strength: 0.5-3 MPa Porosity: 20-40% Density: 1.2-1.6 g/cm³ Compressive strength: 1-5 MPa Density: 1400-1700 kg/m³ Water retention: High Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (depending on additives) Density: 1.4-1.7 g/cm³ High breathability Breathable Flexible Self-healing properties Low compressive strength (compared to cement) Good adhesion to stone and brick Air-setting Setting time: Variable Breathability: High Compressive strength: 1-7 MPa Setting time: weeks to months Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (variable) Porosity: High Density: 1.5-1.8 g/cm³ Breathability: Excellent Porosity: 25-40% Density: 1200-1600 kg/m³ Excellent breathability Autogenous healing Excellent workability Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (after full cure) Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (after full curing) Density: 1.2-1.5 g/cm³ Setting time: Days to weeks Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (after 28 days) Setting time: Varies with composition Water absorption: 15-25% Setting time: 7-28 days High alkalinity Setting time: Slow Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (after curing) Thermal expansion coefficient: 10-14 x 10^-6 /°C Setting time: Weeks to months Porosity: 20-50% Workability: High Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (fully carbonated) Workability: Excellent Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (non-hydraulic) Compressive strength: 1-5 MPa (after 28 days) Air permeability: High Compressive strength: 1-3 MPa Air lime Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (after full carbonation) Thermal expansion coefficient: Similar to stone High porosity Good breathability Hydraulic or non-hydraulic Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (plain lime) Air-setting hydraulic lime Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (without additives) Setting time: Varies with type Density: 1.2-1.7 g/cm³ Setting time: Variable, depending on additives Compressive Strength: 2-5 MPa (varies with additives) Porosity: High (allows breathability) Setting Time: Slow Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (variable based on additives) Compressive strength (28 days): 2-5 MPa Setting time: 7-14 days Air lime composition Breathability Flexibility Thermal expansion coefficient: Similar to stone and brick High flexibility Compressive strength: 5-10 MPa (hydraulic) Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (varies with additives) Good flexibility Hydraulic and non-hydraulic varieties Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (Non-Hydraulic) Porosity: 30-50% Compressive strength: 2-7 MPa Density: 1.6-1.8 g/cm³ Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (air-dried) Setting time: Varies Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (unreinforced) Setting time: Weeks Compressive strength: 5-15 MPa (hydraulic) Porosity: 30-40% Composition: Calcium hydroxide, silica, alumina Setting time: weeks Air lime or hydraulic lime Compressive strength: 1-5 MPa (air-setting), 2-10 MPa (hydraulic) Thermal expansion coefficient: 10-14 x 10⁻⁶ /°C Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (depending on additives) Compressive strength: 1-10 MPa Slow setting time Good workability Water retention: >90% Setting time: Varies depending on lime type Composition: Ca(OH)2, SiO2 Setting time: 7-30 days Setting time: Variable, depending on composition Setting time: variable (days to weeks) Breathability: high Density: 1.5-1.7 g/cm³ Water absorption: High Compressive strength: 1-10 MPa (depending on additives) Excellent compatibility with stone and brick Composition: Calcium hydroxide, aggregates Water permeability: Low Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (air lime) Compressive strength: 0.5-2 MPa Carbonation rate: Slow Water retention: Good Water retention Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (depending on composition) Thermal expansion: Similar to stone and brick Setting time: Several weeks Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (unmodified) Water permeability Adhesion strength: Variable Adhesion: Good to porous materials Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (without Surkhi) Density: 1.7-2.0 g/cm³ (cured) Setting time: Variable, days to weeks Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (depending on composition) Setting time: variable Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (variable depending on composition) Composition: Calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate Air lime (non-hydraulic) Composition: Calcium hydroxide, water, aggregates Workability: Good Composition: Calcium hydroxide, Calcium carbonate Compressive strength: 0.5-5 MPa Density: 1200-1700 kg/m³ Density: 1200-1400 kg/m³ Composition: Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) Compressive strength: 1-5 MPa (depending on additives) Water absorption: 15-20% Density: 1.4-1.7 g/cm³ (cured) Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (cured) High alkalinity (pH 12-13) Composition: Calcium hydroxide, silica, water Setting time: Slow (weeks to months) Density: 1.7-2.0 g/cm³ Compressive strength: 1-5 MPa (depending on type) Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (without Surkhi), 5-10 MPa (with Surkhi) Thermal expansion coefficient: Similar to brick Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (variable based on composition) Main component: Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) Calcium hydroxide content: >70%

Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa

Porosity: 20-30%

Density: 1200-1500 kg/m³

Water permeability: High

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa

Setting time: Varies with additives

Compressive strength: 0.5-3 MPa

Porosity: 20-40%

Density: 1.2-1.6 g/cm³

Compressive strength: 1-5 MPa

Density: 1400-1700 kg/m³

Water retention: High

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (depending on additives)

Density: 1.4-1.7 g/cm³

High breathability

Breathable

Flexible

Self-healing properties

Low compressive strength (compared to cement)

Good adhesion to stone and brick

Air-setting

Setting time: Variable

Breathability: High

Compressive strength: 1-7 MPa

Setting time: weeks to months

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (variable)

Porosity: High

Density: 1.5-1.8 g/cm³

Breathability: Excellent

Porosity: 25-40%

Density: 1200-1600 kg/m³

Excellent breathability

Autogenous healing

Excellent workability

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (after full cure)

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (after full curing)

Density: 1.2-1.5 g/cm³

Setting time: Days to weeks

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (after 28 days)

Setting time: Varies with composition

Water absorption: 15-25%

Setting time: 7-28 days

High alkalinity

Setting time: Slow

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (after curing)

Thermal expansion coefficient: 10-14 x 10^-6 /°C

Setting time: Weeks to months

Porosity: 20-50%

Workability: High

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (fully carbonated)

Workability: Excellent

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (non-hydraulic)

Compressive strength: 1-5 MPa (after 28 days)

Air permeability: High

Compressive strength: 1-3 MPa

Air lime

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (after full carbonation)

Thermal expansion coefficient: Similar to stone

High porosity

Good breathability

Hydraulic or non-hydraulic

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (plain lime)

Air-setting hydraulic lime

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (without additives)

Setting time: Varies with type

Density: 1.2-1.7 g/cm³

Setting time: Variable, depending on additives

Compressive Strength: 2-5 MPa (varies with additives)

Porosity: High (allows breathability)

Setting Time: Slow

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (variable based on additives)

Compressive strength (28 days): 2-5 MPa

Setting time: 7-14 days

Air lime composition

Breathability

Flexibility

Thermal expansion coefficient: Similar to stone and brick

High flexibility

Compressive strength: 5-10 MPa (hydraulic)

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (varies with additives)

Good flexibility

Hydraulic and non-hydraulic varieties

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (Non-Hydraulic)

Porosity: 30-50%

Compressive strength: 2-7 MPa

Density: 1.6-1.8 g/cm³

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (air-dried)

Setting time: Varies

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (unreinforced)

Setting time: Weeks

Compressive strength: 5-15 MPa (hydraulic)

Porosity: 30-40%

Composition: Calcium hydroxide, silica, alumina

Setting time: weeks

Air lime or hydraulic lime

Compressive strength: 1-5 MPa (air-setting), 2-10 MPa (hydraulic)

Thermal expansion coefficient: 10-14 x 10⁻⁶ /°C

Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (depending on additives)

Compressive strength: 1-10 MPa

Slow setting time

Good workability

Water retention: >90%

Setting time: Varies depending on lime type

Composition: Ca(OH)2, SiO2

Setting time: 7-30 days

Setting time: Variable, depending on composition

Setting time: variable (days to weeks)

Breathability: high

Density: 1.5-1.7 g/cm³

Water absorption: High

Compressive strength: 1-10 MPa (depending on additives)

Excellent compatibility with stone and brick

Composition: Calcium hydroxide, aggregates

Water permeability: Low

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (air lime)

Compressive strength: 0.5-2 MPa

Carbonation rate: Slow

Water retention: Good

Water retention

Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (depending on composition)

Thermal expansion: Similar to stone and brick

Setting time: Several weeks

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (unmodified)

Water permeability

Adhesion strength: Variable

Adhesion: Good to porous materials

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (without Surkhi)

Density: 1.7-2.0 g/cm³ (cured)

Setting time: Variable, days to weeks

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (depending on composition)

Setting time: variable

Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (variable depending on composition)

Composition: Calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate

Air lime (non-hydraulic)

Composition: Calcium hydroxide, water, aggregates

Workability: Good

Composition: Calcium hydroxide, Calcium carbonate

Compressive strength: 0.5-5 MPa

Density: 1200-1700 kg/m³

Density: 1200-1400 kg/m³

Composition: Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂)

Compressive strength: 1-5 MPa (depending on additives)

Water absorption: 15-20%

Density: 1.4-1.7 g/cm³ (cured)

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (cured)

High alkalinity (pH 12-13)

Composition: Calcium hydroxide, silica, water

Setting time: Slow (weeks to months)

Density: 1.7-2.0 g/cm³

Compressive strength: 1-5 MPa (depending on type)

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (without Surkhi), 5-10 MPa (with Surkhi)

Thermal expansion coefficient: Similar to brick

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (variable based on composition)

Main component: Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂)

Calcium hydroxide content: >70%

Common Uses

Uses	Masonry joints Plaster Stucco Waterproofing Plastering Rendering Consolidation Masonry mortar Waterproofing (with additives) Consolidation of stone Bonding agent Stucco work Pointing Foundation bedding Binding agent Decorative stucco Bonding agent for brickwork Masonry joints in brick and stone walls Plastering interior and exterior surfaces Waterproofing courses Binding agent for brick and stone Decorative moldings Bonding bricks and stones Decorative finishes Bonding masonry units Grouting Binding Agent Consolidation of stone structures Binding agent for bricks and stones Binding agent for stone and brick Masonry bonding Mortar for stone and brick masonry Binding agent for stone Masonry bonding agent Plastering walls Waterproofing roofs Stucco decoration Jointing

Uses

Masonry joints

Plaster

Stucco

Waterproofing

Plastering

Rendering

Consolidation

Masonry mortar

Waterproofing (with additives)

Consolidation of stone

Bonding agent

Stucco work

Pointing

Foundation bedding

Binding agent

Decorative stucco

Bonding agent for brickwork

Masonry joints in brick and stone walls

Plastering interior and exterior surfaces

Waterproofing courses

Binding agent for brick and stone

Decorative moldings

Bonding bricks and stones

Decorative finishes

Bonding masonry units

Grouting

Binding Agent

Consolidation of stone structures

Binding agent for bricks and stones

Binding agent for stone and brick

Masonry bonding

Mortar for stone and brick masonry

Binding agent for stone

Masonry bonding agent

Plastering walls

Waterproofing roofs

Stucco decoration

Jointing

Related Materials

Materials	सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust) रेत - Ret (Sand) पत्थर - Patthar (Stone) ईंट - Eent (Brick) Shilā (Stone) Ishtakā (Brick) रेती - Retī (Sand) गुड़ - Guda (Jaggery) वज्रलेप - Vajralepa (Diamond Plaster) कंकड़ - Kankar (Lime Nodules) गुड़ - Gur (Jaggery) उड़द दाल - Urad Dal (Black Lentil Paste) Kāshtha (Wood) Gomaya (Cow Dung) Jaggery बालू - Bālū (Sand) गुड़ - Guṛ (Jaggery) कत्था - Kathā (Catechu) बजरी - Bajri (River Sand) Īnt (Bricks) ईंट - Īnt (Brick) कंकड़ - Kankar (Kankar) बेल का शरबत - Bel ka Sharbat (Wood Apple Juice) शिला - Shilā (Stone) कंकड़ - Kankar (Gravel) Bajri (Aggregate) बेल - Bel (Wood Apple) जूट - Jute बजरी - Bajri (Aggregate) Hemp Ishtikā (Brick) रेती - Reti (Sand) बेल का शरबत - Bel ka Sharbat (Aegle marmelos juice) पानी - Pānī (Water) बेल फल - Bel Phal (Bel Fruit) Kāshtha (Wood) for scaffolding गोंद - Gond (Gum Arabic) कंकड़ - Kankad (Lime Nodules) कपूर - Karpūra (Camphor) कली चूना - Kalī Chunā (Quicklime) कंकड़ - Kankar (Aggregate) बजरी - Bajrī (River Sand) जल - Jala (Water) गुग्गुल - Guggula (Guggul Resin) कषाय - Kashāya (Herbal Concoctions) वज्रलेप - Vajralepa (Ancient Indian Glue) बेल का फल - Bel ka Phal (Aegle marmelos) कषाय - Kashāya (Herbal Extracts) कपूर - Karpura (Camphor) बजरी - Bajrī (Sand) रेत - Rēt (Sand) ईंट - Īṇṭa (Brick) बेल का फल - Bel ka Phal (Bel Fruit) इष्टिका - Ishtika (Brick) गुग्गुल - Guggul (Resin) कषाय - Kashaya (Herbal Extracts) Pakva Ishtika (Fired Brick) ईंट - Īnt (Bricks) कत्था - Kattha (Catechu) Bajri (Gravel) बजरी - Bajri (Gravel) कली चूना - Kali Chunā (Fat Lime) शंख चूना - Shankh Chunā (Shell Lime) बेल फल - Bel Phal (Wood Apple) बिल्व फल - Bilva Phal (Bael Fruit) Kāshtha (Wood) for scaffolding during application कषाय - Kashāya (Plant Extracts) इष्टिका - Ishtikā (Brick) रेत - Reta (Sand) ईंट - Īṇṭ (Brick) Kankar (Lime Nodules) जगर्री - Jagari (Jaggery) Kāshtha (Wood) for formwork गुड़ - Gudd (Jaggery) बेल - Bel (Bael Fruit) Kāshtha (Wood ash) Bajri (sand) बालू - Bālu (Sand) Bajri (Fine Aggregate) Stone Brick बेल का रस - Bel ka Ras (Aegle marmelos juice) Kāshtha (Wood) - scaffolding पक्व ईंट - Pakva Īnt (Fired Brick) Surkhi (Brick Dust) Ishtika (Fired Brick) गोमय - Gomaya (Cow Dung) Guggulu (Gum Resin) गुग्गुलु - Guggulu (Gum Resin) कडी - Kadī (Jaggery) वज्रलेप - Vajralepa (Diamond Glue) जगेरी - Jaggery कषाय - Kashaya (Tannin) कषाय - Kashāya (Herbal Additives) बजरी - Bajri (Sand) ईंट - Īṅṭ (Brick) इष्टिका - Ishtikā (Burnt Brick) Īnt (Brick) बेल का गूदा - Bela ka Guda (Wood Apple Pulp) मृत्तिका - Mrittikā (Earth) Kāshtha (Wood) (for scaffolding) Bajri (Fine Gravel) Ishtika (Brick) Sand Bricks चूना - Chunā (Lime) ईंट - Īṇṭ (Bricks) कली चूना - Kali Chunā (Quicklime) கற்கள் - Kaṟkaḷ (Granite) செங்கல் - Ceṅkal (Brick) சுண்ணாம்புக்கல் - Cuṇṇāmpukkal (Limestone) சுர்க்கி - Curkki (Surkhi) மணல் - Maṇal (Sand)

Materials

सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust)

रेत - Ret (Sand)

पत्थर - Patthar (Stone)

ईंट - Eent (Brick)

Shilā (Stone)

Ishtakā (Brick)

रेती - Retī (Sand)

गुड़ - Guda (Jaggery)

वज्रलेप - Vajralepa (Diamond Plaster)

कंकड़ - Kankar (Lime Nodules)

गुड़ - Gur (Jaggery)

उड़द दाल - Urad Dal (Black Lentil Paste)

Kāshtha (Wood)

Gomaya (Cow Dung)

Jaggery

बालू - Bālū (Sand)

गुड़ - Guṛ (Jaggery)

कत्था - Kathā (Catechu)

बजरी - Bajri (River Sand)

Īnt (Bricks)

ईंट - Īnt (Brick)

कंकड़ - Kankar (Kankar)

बेल का शरबत - Bel ka Sharbat (Wood Apple Juice)

शिला - Shilā (Stone)

कंकड़ - Kankar (Gravel)

Bajri (Aggregate)

बेल - Bel (Wood Apple)

जूट - Jute

बजरी - Bajri (Aggregate)

Hemp

Ishtikā (Brick)

रेती - Reti (Sand)

बेल का शरबत - Bel ka Sharbat (Aegle marmelos juice)

पानी - Pānī (Water)

बेल फल - Bel Phal (Bel Fruit)

Kāshtha (Wood) for scaffolding

गोंद - Gond (Gum Arabic)

कंकड़ - Kankad (Lime Nodules)

कपूर - Karpūra (Camphor)

कली चूना - Kalī Chunā (Quicklime)

कंकड़ - Kankar (Aggregate)

बजरी - Bajrī (River Sand)

जल - Jala (Water)

गुग्गुल - Guggula (Guggul Resin)

कषाय - Kashāya (Herbal Concoctions)

वज्रलेप - Vajralepa (Ancient Indian Glue)

बेल का फल - Bel ka Phal (Aegle marmelos)

कषाय - Kashāya (Herbal Extracts)

कपूर - Karpura (Camphor)

बजरी - Bajrī (Sand)

रेत - Rēt (Sand)

ईंट - Īṇṭa (Brick)

बेल का फल - Bel ka Phal (Bel Fruit)

इष्टिका - Ishtika (Brick)

गुग्गुल - Guggul (Resin)

कषाय - Kashaya (Herbal Extracts)

Pakva Ishtika (Fired Brick)

ईंट - Īnt (Bricks)

कत्था - Kattha (Catechu)

Bajri (Gravel)

बजरी - Bajri (Gravel)

कली चूना - Kali Chunā (Fat Lime)

शंख चूना - Shankh Chunā (Shell Lime)

बेल फल - Bel Phal (Wood Apple)

बिल्व फल - Bilva Phal (Bael Fruit)

Kāshtha (Wood) for scaffolding during application

कषाय - Kashāya (Plant Extracts)

इष्टिका - Ishtikā (Brick)

रेत - Reta (Sand)

ईंट - Īṇṭ (Brick)

Kankar (Lime Nodules)

जगर्री - Jagari (Jaggery)

Kāshtha (Wood) for formwork

गुड़ - Gudd (Jaggery)

बेल - Bel (Bael Fruit)

Kāshtha (Wood ash)

Bajri (sand)

बालू - Bālu (Sand)

Bajri (Fine Aggregate)

Stone

Brick

बेल का रस - Bel ka Ras (Aegle marmelos juice)

Kāshtha (Wood) - scaffolding

पक्व ईंट - Pakva Īnt (Fired Brick)

Surkhi (Brick Dust)

Ishtika (Fired Brick)

गोमय - Gomaya (Cow Dung)

Guggulu (Gum Resin)

गुग्गुलु - Guggulu (Gum Resin)

कडी - Kadī (Jaggery)

वज्रलेप - Vajralepa (Diamond Glue)

जगेरी - Jaggery

कषाय - Kashaya (Tannin)

कषाय - Kashāya (Herbal Additives)

बजरी - Bajri (Sand)

ईंट - Īṅṭ (Brick)

इष्टिका - Ishtikā (Burnt Brick)

Īnt (Brick)

बेल का गूदा - Bela ka Guda (Wood Apple Pulp)

मृत्तिका - Mrittikā (Earth)

Kāshtha (Wood) (for scaffolding)

Bajri (Fine Gravel)

Ishtika (Brick)

Sand

Bricks

चूना - Chunā (Lime)

ईंट - Īṇṭ (Bricks)

कली चूना - Kali Chunā (Quicklime)

கற்கள் - Kaṟkaḷ (Granite)

செங்கல் - Ceṅkal (Brick)

சுண்ணாம்புக்கல் - Cuṇṇāmpukkal (Limestone)

சுர்க்கி - Curkki (Surkhi)

மணல் - Maṇal (Sand)

Related Styles

Styles	Mughal architecture style Rajput architecture style Dravidian architecture style Sri Lankan architecture Mughal architecture Rajput architecture Traditional Indian architecture Indo-Islamic architecture All Indic architectural styles Dravidian architecture Vijayanagara architecture style Traditional Indian architecture style Indo-Islamic architecture style Vernacular architecture style Temple architecture Fort architecture Nagara architecture style All traditional Indian architectural styles Vesara architecture style Colonial architecture Assamese temple architecture All Indian architectural styles Islamic architecture style Pan-Indian architecture styles All styles Kumaoni architecture Vijayanagara architecture Deccan architecture Deccani architecture style Gupta architecture style Regional temple architecture Gujarati architecture style South Indian temple architecture Mughal Architecture Rajput Architecture Vernacular Architecture Sikh architecture Deccan architecture style Vernacular architecture Various Indian architectural styles Nagara architecture Traditional Indian Architecture Tibetan Buddhist architecture Various Indian temple architectures Colonial architecture style Traditional Indian architecture styles Kandyan architecture Kakatiya architecture style Gandhara architecture Kerala architecture Khasi Architecture Indo-Islamic Architecture All styles of Indian architecture Ahom architecture style Tibetan Architecture Maratha architecture Bhutanese Architecture Haveli architecture Sikh architecture style Especially prevalent in pre-cement construction Kalinga architecture Ahom architecture Indo-Portuguese architecture Kushan architecture Traditional Architecture Hemadpanti architecture Dravidian Architecture Nagara Architecture Indo-Saracenic architecture Maratha architecture style

Styles

Mughal architecture style

Rajput architecture style

Dravidian architecture style

Sri Lankan architecture

Mughal architecture

Rajput architecture

Traditional Indian architecture

Indo-Islamic architecture

All Indic architectural styles

Dravidian architecture

Vijayanagara architecture style

Traditional Indian architecture style

Indo-Islamic architecture style

Vernacular architecture style

Temple architecture

Fort architecture

Nagara architecture style

All traditional Indian architectural styles

Vesara architecture style

Colonial architecture

Assamese temple architecture

All Indian architectural styles

Islamic architecture style

Pan-Indian architecture styles

All styles

Kumaoni architecture

Vijayanagara architecture

Deccan architecture

Deccani architecture style

Gupta architecture style

Regional temple architecture

Gujarati architecture style

South Indian temple architecture

Mughal Architecture

Rajput Architecture

Vernacular Architecture

Sikh architecture

Deccan architecture style

Vernacular architecture

Various Indian architectural styles

Nagara architecture

Traditional Indian Architecture

Tibetan Buddhist architecture

Various Indian temple architectures

Colonial architecture style

Traditional Indian architecture styles

Kandyan architecture

Kakatiya architecture style

Gandhara architecture

Kerala architecture

Khasi Architecture

Indo-Islamic Architecture

All styles of Indian architecture

Ahom architecture style

Tibetan Architecture

Maratha architecture

Bhutanese Architecture

Haveli architecture

Sikh architecture style

Especially prevalent in pre-cement construction

Kalinga architecture

Ahom architecture

Indo-Portuguese architecture

Kushan architecture

Traditional Architecture

Hemadpanti architecture

Dravidian Architecture

Nagara Architecture

Indo-Saracenic architecture

Maratha architecture style

Related Categories

Categories	Temple Fort Palace Tomb Pilgrimage Site Stepwell Temples Forts Palaces Wells All heritage categories Residential Buildings Residential Stepwells House Residential buildings Water Tank Walls Plaster Well Residences Water structures Water Structures Domestic Architecture Mosque Haveli Public Buildings Residential architecture Havelis Monastery Wall Residential structures Water harvesting structures Fortress Domestic architecture Residential Architecture Stupa Civil Architecture Kund Tombs Masonry Residential Building

Conservation Notes

Notes	Susceptible to acid rain Requires slow curing Compatible with historic materials Vulnerable to erosion if poorly mixed Requires breathable repair mortars Protect from water damage Breathable and flexible Carbonation issues Cracking due to shrinkage Biological growth Requires slow curing to prevent cracking Susceptible to erosion in highly polluted environments Compatible with traditional building materials Avoid using cement-based mortars for repairs Vulnerable to salt attack if not properly formulated Sensitive to salt attack Breathable and compatible with historic materials Susceptible to erosion in acidic environments Susceptible to erosion from water ingress Requires periodic re-application Compatible with traditional materials Use compatible lime-based repair mortars Requires compatible repair mortars Prone to biological growth Requires regular maintenance and re-pointing Breathable Requires slow curing to prevent cracking. Susceptible to acid rain. Compatible with traditional building materials. Compatible with historic masonry Requires regular repointing Requires regular re-liming Breathable and allows moisture to evaporate Susceptible to acid rain and atmospheric pollution. Compatible with historic materials; preferred for conservation. Requires breathable repairs Salt crystallization can cause damage Breathable material Requires careful mixing and application Susceptible to erosion if not properly maintained Susceptible to erosion from acid rain Vulnerable to biological growth Susceptible to acid rain and erosion Requires regular maintenance and repointing Susceptible to erosion from rainwater Requires periodic re-pointing with compatible lime mortar Susceptible to acid rain and dissolution. Requires breathable repair mortars. Proper curing is essential to prevent cracking. Vulnerable to leaching Breathable and allows moisture to escape Susceptible to acid attack Prone to biological growth in humid conditions Susceptible to erosion Vulnerable to erosion Requires periodic re-pointing Requires slow curing to gain strength. Susceptible to acid rain and salt attack. Compatible with historic masonry. Breathability helps prevent moisture buildup. Requires periodic re-liming Susceptible to erosion in high rainfall areas Requires regular maintenance and replastering Susceptible to frost damage Susceptible to acid rain and atmospheric pollution Requires regular maintenance Susceptible to acid rain and salt crystallization Requires breathable repairs with compatible lime mortars Protection from water ingress Requires protection from excessive moisture Susceptible to erosion and cracking Susceptible to erosion if not properly prepared Susceptible to erosion by acid rain Breathable; compatible with historic materials Avoid using cement-based repairs Compatible with most historic building materials Susceptible to carbonation Vulnerable to salt crystallization Susceptible to acid rain erosion Breathable, allowing moisture to escape Susceptible to frost damage if not properly cured Requires slow curing to gain strength Susceptible to erosion in highly acidic environments Compatible with historic masonry units Susceptible to acid rain and sulfate attack Requires re-pointing Avoid Portland cement repairs Susceptible to erosion from acidic environments Susceptible to erosion if poorly prepared Breathable, allows moisture to escape Vulnerable to biological growth in damp conditions Susceptible to salt crystallization Requires breathable mortars Carbonation process Erosion Requires re-pointing with compatible lime mortar Proper slaking is crucial Susceptible to erosion if not properly carbonated Compatible with historic materials due to breathability Requires careful matching of original mortar composition Susceptible to erosion in polluted environments Vulnerable to erosion in high rainfall areas Breathable and allows moisture movement Susceptible to erosion from acidic rain Salt efflorescence can cause damage Use of lime putty Requires slow carbonation Vulnerable to erosion in exposed conditions Requires careful mixing and curing Requires careful analysis of original mortar composition for compatible repairs Avoid using cement-based mortars for repointing Protection from excessive moisture Requires breathable coatings Vulnerable to salt attack Protection from water damage Avoid Portland cement Use of compatible lime mortars for repair Erosion due to acid rain Susceptible to sulfate attack Lime mortar is susceptible to acid rain and requires periodic re-application. Requires slow curing and protection from rapid drying Can be damaged by Portland cement Susceptible to erosion if not properly protected Vulnerable to erosion if not properly maintained Potential for cracking due to shrinkage Lime mortar is susceptible to erosion from acid rain. Requires periodic re-pointing to maintain structural integrity. Susceptible to leaching Compatible with historic brick and stone. Susceptible to acid rain and carbonation Salt efflorescence Susceptible to erosion due to acid rain Can be damaged by modern cement mortars Susceptible to acid rain and weathering. Requires periodic re-application. Breathable and allows moisture evaporation Incompatible with cement Susceptible to erosion in high-rainfall areas Susceptible to salt attack Susceptible to erosion in exposed locations Susceptible to erosion if not properly formulated Compatible with historic building materials Use compatible lime-based materials for repair Needs protection from rapid drying

Notes

Susceptible to acid rain
Requires slow curing
Compatible with historic materials
Vulnerable to erosion if poorly mixed
Requires breathable repair mortars
Protect from water damage
Breathable and flexible
Carbonation issues
Cracking due to shrinkage
Biological growth
Requires slow curing to prevent cracking
Susceptible to erosion in highly polluted environments
Compatible with traditional building materials
Avoid using cement-based mortars for repairs
Vulnerable to salt attack if not properly formulated
Sensitive to salt attack
Breathable and compatible with historic materials
Susceptible to erosion in acidic environments
Susceptible to erosion from water ingress
Requires periodic re-application
Compatible with traditional materials
Use compatible lime-based repair mortars
Requires compatible repair mortars
Prone to biological growth
Requires regular maintenance and re-pointing
Breathable
Requires slow curing to prevent cracking.
Susceptible to acid rain.
Compatible with traditional building materials.
Compatible with historic masonry
Requires regular repointing
Requires regular re-liming
Breathable and allows moisture to evaporate
Susceptible to acid rain and atmospheric pollution.
Compatible with historic materials; preferred for conservation.
Requires breathable repairs
Salt crystallization can cause damage
Breathable material
Requires careful mixing and application
Susceptible to erosion if not properly maintained
Susceptible to erosion from acid rain
Vulnerable to biological growth
Susceptible to acid rain and erosion
Requires regular maintenance and repointing
Susceptible to erosion from rainwater
Requires periodic re-pointing with compatible lime mortar
Susceptible to acid rain and dissolution.
Requires breathable repair mortars.
Proper curing is essential to prevent cracking.
Vulnerable to leaching
Breathable and allows moisture to escape
Susceptible to acid attack
Prone to biological growth in humid conditions
Susceptible to erosion
Vulnerable to erosion
Requires periodic re-pointing
Requires slow curing to gain strength. Susceptible to acid rain and salt attack. Compatible with historic masonry. Breathability helps prevent moisture buildup.
Requires periodic re-liming
Susceptible to erosion in high rainfall areas
Requires regular maintenance and replastering
Susceptible to frost damage
Susceptible to acid rain and atmospheric pollution
Requires regular maintenance
Susceptible to acid rain and salt crystallization
Requires breathable repairs with compatible lime mortars
Protection from water ingress
Requires protection from excessive moisture
Susceptible to erosion and cracking
Susceptible to erosion if not properly prepared
Susceptible to erosion by acid rain
Breathable; compatible with historic materials
Avoid using cement-based repairs
Compatible with most historic building materials
Susceptible to carbonation
Vulnerable to salt crystallization
Susceptible to acid rain erosion
Breathable, allowing moisture to escape
Susceptible to frost damage if not properly cured
Requires slow curing to gain strength
Susceptible to erosion in highly acidic environments
Compatible with historic masonry units
Susceptible to acid rain and sulfate attack
Requires re-pointing
Avoid Portland cement repairs
Susceptible to erosion from acidic environments
Susceptible to erosion if poorly prepared
Breathable, allows moisture to escape
Vulnerable to biological growth in damp conditions
Susceptible to salt crystallization
Requires breathable mortars
Carbonation process
Erosion
Requires re-pointing with compatible lime mortar
Proper slaking is crucial
Susceptible to erosion if not properly carbonated
Compatible with historic materials due to breathability
Requires careful matching of original mortar composition
Susceptible to erosion in polluted environments
Vulnerable to erosion in high rainfall areas
Breathable and allows moisture movement
Susceptible to erosion from acidic rain
Salt efflorescence can cause damage
Use of lime putty
Requires slow carbonation
Vulnerable to erosion in exposed conditions
Requires careful mixing and curing
Requires careful analysis of original mortar composition for compatible repairs
Avoid using cement-based mortars for repointing
Protection from excessive moisture
Requires breathable coatings
Vulnerable to salt attack
Protection from water damage
Avoid Portland cement
Use of compatible lime mortars for repair
Erosion due to acid rain
Susceptible to sulfate attack
Lime mortar is susceptible to acid rain and requires periodic re-application.
Requires slow curing and protection from rapid drying
Can be damaged by Portland cement
Susceptible to erosion if not properly protected
Vulnerable to erosion if not properly maintained
Potential for cracking due to shrinkage
Lime mortar is susceptible to erosion from acid rain.
Requires periodic re-pointing to maintain structural integrity.
Susceptible to leaching
Compatible with historic brick and stone.
Susceptible to acid rain and carbonation
Salt efflorescence
Susceptible to erosion due to acid rain
Can be damaged by modern cement mortars
Susceptible to acid rain and weathering.
Requires periodic re-application.
Breathable and allows moisture evaporation
Incompatible with cement
Susceptible to erosion in high-rainfall areas
Susceptible to salt attack
Susceptible to erosion in exposed locations
Susceptible to erosion if not properly formulated
Compatible with historic building materials
Use compatible lime-based materials for repair
Needs protection from rapid drying

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
Traditional Indian Lime Mortars	Technical Report	Lime mortar composition and application
Traditional Building Materials of India	Book	Lime mortar composition and application
Lime and Lime Mortars	Technical Report	Composition and application
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Lime mortar analysis and conservation
Traditional Lime Mortars in India	Technical Report	Composition and application techniques
Lime Mortars for Historic Buildings	Technical Report	Composition, properties, and application
Traditional Mortars of India	Technical Report	Composition and application
Lime and Limestone	Book	Lime mortar properties and applications
Traditional Mortars: Characteristics and Conservation	Book	Lime mortar analysis and conservation
Traditional Indian Building Techniques	Book	Lime mortar recipes and applications
Traditional Lime Mortars	Book	Lime mortar preparation and application
Lime and Limestone: Chemistry and Technology, 2nd Edition	Book	Technical properties and applications
Traditional Knowledge Digital Library	Database	Lime preparation techniques
Lime Technology in Indian Heritage Structures	Technical Report	Composition, properties, and application techniques
Lime Mortars: Properties and Uses	Technical Report	Detailed analysis of lime mortar types
Lime Technology and Conservation	Technical Manual	Traditional techniques
Lime and Lime Mortars in Indian Heritage Structures	Technical Report	Composition, properties, and conservation
Traditional Indian Mortars	Technical Report	Composition and properties
Lime in Building	Report	Lime properties and uses
Traditional Building Materials and Techniques	Book	Lime mortar preparation and application
Traditional Indian Building Materials and Techniques	Book	Lime mortar preparation and application
Lime Mortars in Historic Buildings	Book	Lime mortar properties and conservation
Lime and Limestone: Chemistry and Technology, by J.A.H. Oates	Book	Comprehensive guide on lime properties and uses
Traditional Indian Lime Mortars	Research Paper	Composition and properties
Traditional Mortars in India	Research Paper	Composition and properties
Lime and Lime Mortars	Book	Technical guide on lime mortar preparation and application
Traditional Mortars of India	Research Paper	Composition and properties
Lime and Limestone: Chemistry and Technology, 2nd Edition	Book	Composition and properties of lime mortar
Traditional Indian Building Technology	Book	Lime mortar preparation and application
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis
Traditional Building Materials of India	Book	Lime mortar recipes
Traditional Indian Lime Mortars	Research Paper	Composition and properties
Lime Technology and Conservation	Book	Lime mortar properties and applications
Lime Mortars: A Practical Guide	Technical Manual	Composition and application
Lime and Limestone: Chemistry and Technology, Applications in Construction	Book	Lime mortar properties and applications
Lime and Lime Mortars	Technical Manual	Lime mortar preparation and application
Lime Mortars: Properties and Uses	Technical Report	Detailed analysis of lime mortar composition and application
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis

Heritage Sites (6)

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Dindigul Fort Dindigul	Secondary	100%
Naguleswaram Temple Keerimalai Jaffna Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple Nainativu Jaffna Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Thanjavur Palace Thanjavur	Secondary	100%
Thiruketheeswaram Temple Mannar Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Tiruchirapalli Fort Tiruchirapalli	Secondary	100%

चूना गारा (Lime Mortar)