What is चूना पत्थर (Limestone)?

சுண்ணாம்புக்கல் - Cuṇṇāmpukkal (Limestone) is a sedimentary rock, primarily calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), with >90% CaCO₃ content [1]. Its formation is geological or biogenic, often containing marine fossils. Density ranges from 2.5-2.7 g/cm³, porosity 1-20%, and compressive strength 20-180 MPa [2]. Traditionally, it served as *sthāpanā* (foundation) and *bhitti* (wall) material. Quarries across Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and other regions provided *cuṇṇā* (lime) after calcination, essential for *vajralepa* (strong mortar). The Mauryan [3], Gupta, and Vijayanagara periods extensively utilized limestone in structural walls, decorative carvings, and *mandira* (temple) construction. Durability is affected by acidic water solubility. Conservation involves addressing weathering and biological growth. Traditional sources were often near forests providing fuel for lime kilns. It is also used as *cuṇṇā* (lime) for plaster. Thermal expansion coefficient is 6-10 x 10⁻⁶/°C. References: [1] limestone - Getty AAT (Getty Research Institute) - http://vocab.getty.edu/aat/300011286 [2] (General Material Science Data for Limestone) [3] (Historical records of Mauryan construction)

What type of material is चूना पत्थर (Limestone)?

चूना पत्थर (Limestone) is classified as Sedimentary Rock, Carbonate Rock, Calcareous Rock, Chemical Sedimentary Rock, Natural Stone, Calcium Carbonate, Biochemical Rock. Key properties include Density: 2.6-2.8 g/cm³, Compressive strength: 30-120 MPa, Porosity: 5-20%.

Where is चूना पत्थर (Limestone) used?

चूना पत्थर (Limestone) is commonly used in Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Sindh, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir Valley, Neelum Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, Sri Lanka (Coastal Regions), Northern Province, Sri Lanka. It is sourced from Rajasthan quarries, Katni mines, specific geographic sources.

What are the conservation considerations for चूना पत्थर (Limestone)?

Conservation of चूना पत्थर (Limestone) requires attention to Susceptible to acid rain and Requires breathable lime mortars. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

चूना पत्थर (Limestone) | Inheritage Foundation Art & Architecture Thesaurus | Inheritage Foundation

Name: चूना पत्थर (Limestone)
Rating: 4.5 (4 reviews)
Author: Inheritage Foundation

Title	चूना पत्थर (Limestone) 4.5/5(Based on 4 heritage sites) Rare Cūnā patthar Limestone 4.5/5(Based on 4 heritage sites)
Description	சுண்ணாம்புக்கல் - Cuṇṇāmpukkal (Limestone) is a sedimentary rock, primarily calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), with >90% CaCO₃ content [1]. Its formation is geological or biogenic, often containing marine fossils. Density ranges from 2.5-2.7 g/cm³, porosity 1-20%, and compressive strength 20-180 MPa [2]. Traditionally, it served as sthāpanā (foundation) and bhitti (wall) material. Quarries across Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and other regions provided cuṇṇā (lime) after calcination, essential for vajralepa (strong mortar). The Mauryan [3], Gupta, and Vijayanagara periods extensively utilized limestone in structural walls, decorative carvings, and mandira (temple) construction. Durability is affected by acidic water solubility. Conservation involves addressing weathering and biological growth. Traditional sources were often near forests providing fuel for lime kilns. It is also used as cuṇṇā (lime) for plaster. Thermal expansion coefficient is 6-10 x 10⁻⁶/°C. References: [1] limestone - Getty AAT (Getty Research Institute) - http://vocab.getty.edu/aat/300011286 [2] (General Material Science Data for Limestone) [3] (Historical records of Mauryan construction)
Also Known As	Limestone Cūnā patthar Limestone Chalkstone Calcium Carbonate Rock चूना पत्थर खड़िया पत्थर चूनाश्म சுண்ணாம்புக்கல் సున్నపురాయి ಸುಣ್ಣಕಲ್ಲು சுண்ணாம்புக்கல் பாறை
Tags	चूना पत्थर Chunā Patthar Limestone Sedimentary Calcium Carbonate Sedimentary Rock Lime Quarry Kalaburagi Erosion Gujarat Calcium carbonate Mortar Porbandar Makrana Neelum Valley Chūnā Patthar Katni Jaisalmer Rajasthan Fort Stone Building Stone Chuna Carvings சுண்ணாம்புக்கல் Chunṇāmpukkal Weathering Cuṇṇāmpukkal
Material ID	`INHFMAT-324717446-20-11-25-CM`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/limestone
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/limestone`
Total Sites	4
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types	Sedimentary Rock Carbonate Rock Calcareous Rock Chemical Sedimentary Rock Natural Stone Calcium Carbonate Biochemical Rock

Regions

Regions	Rajasthan Tamil Nadu Madhya Pradesh Gujarat Andhra Pradesh Sindh Himachal Pradesh Kashmir Valley Neelum Valley Jammu and Kashmir Sri Lanka (Coastal Regions) Northern Province, Sri Lanka

Historical Context

Time Periods	Ancient Period Medieval Period CE 19th Century CE 20th Century CE Bahmani Sultanate Ancient Period BCE Mauryan period Mauryan Period (322-185 BCE) Gupta Period (320-550 CE) Ancient Medieval Ancient times Maurya Empire (322-185 BCE) Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526 CE) Mauryan period (322-185 BCE) Mughal period (16th-18th century CE) 6th-12th century CE Early Modern Period Vijayanagara period (14th-17th century CE) Mauryan Empire (322-185 BCE) Rajput Period Mauryan Period Mughal Period Mauryan period (3rd century BCE) Maurya Period (322-185 BCE) 17th century CE Gupta Period (4th-6th century CE) Medieval Period Vijayanagara Period Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 CE)
Dynasties	Maurya Gupta Rajput Mughal Bahmani Solanki Paramara Mauryan Delhi Sultanate Maurya Dynasty Solanki Dynasty Karkota Dynasty Utpala Dynasty Rajput dynasties Mughal Empire Vijayanagara Various regional dynasties Mewar Dynasty Rajput clans Parmar Rajput Dynasties Nayaka Dynasty Various Nayaka

Time Periods

Ancient Period

Medieval Period CE

19th Century CE

20th Century CE

Bahmani Sultanate

Ancient Period BCE

Mauryan period

Mauryan Period (322-185 BCE)

Gupta Period (320-550 CE)

Ancient

Medieval

Ancient times

Maurya Empire (322-185 BCE)

Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526 CE)

Mauryan period (322-185 BCE)

Mughal period (16th-18th century CE)

6th-12th century CE

Early Modern Period

Vijayanagara period (14th-17th century CE)

Mauryan Empire (322-185 BCE)

Rajput Period

Mauryan Period

Mughal Period

Mauryan period (3rd century BCE)

Maurya Period (322-185 BCE)

17th century CE

Gupta Period (4th-6th century CE)

Medieval Period

Vijayanagara Period

Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 CE)

Dynasties

Maurya

Gupta

Rajput

Mughal

Bahmani

Solanki

Paramara

Mauryan

Delhi Sultanate

Maurya Dynasty

Solanki Dynasty

Karkota Dynasty

Utpala Dynasty

Rajput dynasties

Mughal Empire

Vijayanagara

Various regional dynasties

Mewar Dynasty

Rajput clans

Parmar

Rajput Dynasties

Nayaka Dynasty

Various

Nayaka

Geographic Sources

Sources	Rajasthan quarries Katni mines specific geographic sources Rajasthan Limestone Quarries Gujarat Limestone Deposits Local quarries in Tamil Nadu Porbandar quarries Katni quarries Jaisalmer quarries Various quarries in Rajasthan and MP Bikaner quarries Kadapa quarries specific limestone quarries Various quarries in Gujarat Kankar beds along riverbanks Gujarat quarries Madhya Pradesh quarries Porbandar quarries (Gujarat) Jaisalmer quarries (Rajasthan) Kotah quarries Rajasthan quarries (e.g., Jaisalmer) Katni mines (Madhya Pradesh) Kurnool limestone quarries Rajasthan limestone mines Kotputli quarries Sirohi region Limestone quarries Specific geographic sources Local Sindh limestone deposits Katni, Madhya Pradesh Jaisalmer, Rajasthan Makrana mines (Rajasthan) Local limestone deposits in Neelum Valley Specific geological formations in the region Rajasthan limestone quarries Gujarat limestone deposits Local Sindh quarries Kurnool quarries (Andhra Pradesh) Kotputli quarries (Rajasthan) Local limestone deposits near Sudhanoti Local Sindh limestone quarries Kathiawar region, Gujarat Various quarries in Rajasthan Local quarries near Chittorgarh Specific Rajasthan limestone quarries Makrana quarries Specific limestone mines in Rajasthan Gujarat coastal deposits Katni quarries (Madhya Pradesh) Sirohi quarries Jaisalmer mines Local quarries near Madurai Kotputli, Rajasthan various quarries in Gujarat Saurashtra region Bundi region Coastal regions with sedimentary deposits Specific limestone quarries in Sri Lanka Katni limestone quarries Jaisalmer limestone quarries Local deposits in Jaffna Local sedimentary deposits in Sri Lanka Rajasthan quarries (historical)

Sources

Rajasthan quarries

Katni mines

specific geographic sources

Rajasthan Limestone Quarries

Gujarat Limestone Deposits

Local quarries in Tamil Nadu

Porbandar quarries

Katni quarries

Jaisalmer quarries

Various quarries in Rajasthan and MP

Bikaner quarries

Kadapa quarries

specific limestone quarries

Various quarries in Gujarat

Kankar beds along riverbanks

Gujarat quarries

Madhya Pradesh quarries

Porbandar quarries (Gujarat)

Jaisalmer quarries (Rajasthan)

Kotah quarries

Rajasthan quarries (e.g., Jaisalmer)

Katni mines (Madhya Pradesh)

Kurnool limestone quarries

Rajasthan limestone mines

Kotputli quarries

Sirohi region

Limestone quarries

Specific geographic sources

Local Sindh limestone deposits

Katni, Madhya Pradesh

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Makrana mines (Rajasthan)

Local limestone deposits in Neelum Valley

Specific geological formations in the region

Rajasthan limestone quarries

Gujarat limestone deposits

Local Sindh quarries

Kurnool quarries (Andhra Pradesh)

Kotputli quarries (Rajasthan)

Local limestone deposits near Sudhanoti

Local Sindh limestone quarries

Kathiawar region, Gujarat

Various quarries in Rajasthan

Local quarries near Chittorgarh

Specific Rajasthan limestone quarries

Makrana quarries

Specific limestone mines in Rajasthan

Gujarat coastal deposits

Katni quarries (Madhya Pradesh)

Sirohi quarries

Jaisalmer mines

Local quarries near Madurai

Kotputli, Rajasthan

various quarries in Gujarat

Saurashtra region

Bundi region

Coastal regions with sedimentary deposits

Specific limestone quarries in Sri Lanka

Katni limestone quarries

Jaisalmer limestone quarries

Local deposits in Jaffna

Local sedimentary deposits in Sri Lanka

Rajasthan quarries (historical)

Properties

Properties	Density: 2.6-2.8 g/cm³ Compressive strength: 30-120 MPa Porosity: 5-20% Thermal conductivity: 1.2-1.6 W/mK Compressive strength: 30-100 MPa Calcium Carbonate Content: >90% Density: 2.4-2.7 g/cm³ Compressive Strength: 20-70 MPa Thermal Conductivity: 1.2-1.6 W/mK Compressive strength: 20-80 MPa Porosity: 1-15% Calcium carbonate content: >90% Water absorption: 1-5% Compressive strength: 20-70 MPa Porosity: 5-25% Density: 2.0-2.7 g/cm³ Water absorption: 2-10% Porosity: 1-20% Density: 2.5-2.7 g/cm³ Porosity: 1-10% Water absorption: 0.2-2% Calcium carbonate content: 90-99% Compressive strength: 30-80 MPa Porosity: 1-5% Compressive strength: 20-180 MPa (depending on density) Thermal expansion coefficient: 6-12 x 10⁻⁶ /°C Compressive strength: 20-150 MPa Compressive strength: 20-100 MPa Composition: Primarily CaCO₃ Porosity: Varies depending on type Compressive strength: Varies depending on type Compressive strength: 20-180 MPa Porosity: Up to 20% Compressive strength: 30-60 MPa Soluble in acidic water Compressive strength: 20-180 MPa (depending on type) Water absorption: 2-5% Compressive strength: 30-100 MPa (depending on type) Porosity: 5-30% Thermal conductivity: 1.26-1.33 W/mK Thermal expansion coefficient: 6-10 x 10^-6 /°C Compressive strength: 20-60 MPa Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) content: >90% Calcium Carbonate content: >90% Compressive strength: 30-70 MPa Water absorption: 0.2-2.0% Thermal expansion coefficient: 6-10 x 10⁻⁶/°C Compressive strength: 10-100 MPa Solubility in acidic water Water absorption: 0.2-7.5% Porosity: 5-15% Thermal expansion coefficient: 6-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C Compressive strength: 20-180 MPa (highly variable) Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) content: >90% Water absorption: 0.2-5%

Density: 2.6-2.8 g/cm³

Compressive strength: 30-120 MPa

Porosity: 5-20%

Thermal conductivity: 1.2-1.6 W/mK

Compressive strength: 30-100 MPa

Calcium Carbonate Content: >90%

Density: 2.4-2.7 g/cm³

Compressive Strength: 20-70 MPa

Thermal Conductivity: 1.2-1.6 W/mK

Compressive strength: 20-80 MPa

Porosity: 1-15%

Calcium carbonate content: >90%

Water absorption: 1-5%

Compressive strength: 20-70 MPa

Porosity: 5-25%

Density: 2.0-2.7 g/cm³

Water absorption: 2-10%

Porosity: 1-20%

Density: 2.5-2.7 g/cm³

Porosity: 1-10%

Water absorption: 0.2-2%

Calcium carbonate content: 90-99%

Compressive strength: 30-80 MPa

Porosity: 1-5%

Compressive strength: 20-180 MPa (depending on density)

Thermal expansion coefficient: 6-12 x 10⁻⁶ /°C

Compressive strength: 20-150 MPa

Compressive strength: 20-100 MPa

Composition: Primarily CaCO₃

Porosity: Varies depending on type

Compressive strength: Varies depending on type

Compressive strength: 20-180 MPa

Porosity: Up to 20%

Compressive strength: 30-60 MPa

Soluble in acidic water

Compressive strength: 20-180 MPa (depending on type)

Water absorption: 2-5%

Compressive strength: 30-100 MPa (depending on type)

Porosity: 5-30%

Thermal conductivity: 1.26-1.33 W/mK

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

Compressive strength: 20-60 MPa

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) content: >90%

Calcium Carbonate content: >90%

Compressive strength: 30-70 MPa

Water absorption: 0.2-2.0%

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

Compressive strength: 10-100 MPa

Solubility in acidic water

Water absorption: 0.2-7.5%

Porosity: 5-15%

Thermal expansion coefficient: 6-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C

Compressive strength: 20-180 MPa (highly variable)

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) content: >90%

Water absorption: 0.2-5%

Common Uses

Uses	Foundation stones Load-bearing walls Decorative carvings Lime production Lime Production Mortar Aggregate Wall Cladding Flooring Wall construction Sculptural elements Walls Ornamental carvings Mortar aggregate Sculptures Production of चूना - Chunā (Lime) Paving Building blocks Lime production (Chunā) Foundation Lime production (after calcination) Wall cladding Raw material for lime production Building stone (less common in Mundeshwari) Wall construction (less common in Jaisalmer) Aggregate in mortar Foundation material Structural elements Architectural details Structural walls Decorative elements Mortar production Cladding Ornamental features Floor tiles Lime plaster Source material for lime

Uses

Foundation stones

Load-bearing walls

Decorative carvings

Lime production

Lime Production

Mortar Aggregate

Wall Cladding

Flooring

Wall construction

Sculptural elements

Walls

Ornamental carvings

Mortar aggregate

Sculptures

Production of चूना - Chunā (Lime)

Paving

Building blocks

Lime production (Chunā)

Foundation

Lime production (after calcination)

Wall cladding

Raw material for lime production

Building stone (less common in Mundeshwari)

Wall construction (less common in Jaisalmer)

Aggregate in mortar

Foundation material

Structural elements

Architectural details

Structural walls

Decorative elements

Mortar production

Cladding

Ornamental features

Floor tiles

Lime plaster

Source material for lime

Related Materials

Materials	चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust) Kankar (Lime Nodules) Bajri (Gravel) ईंट - Īnt (Brick) चूना - Chunā (Lime) कंकड़ - Kankar (Lime Nodules) रेत - Ret (Sand) Kankar (for lime production) रेती - Retī (Sand) Bājri (Gravel) कंकड़ - Kankar (Gravel) पानी - Pānī (Water) कंकड़ - Kankar (Kankar) बजरी - Bajri (Aggregate) Kankar गुड़ - Guṛ (Jaggery) Kāshtha (Wood) बलुआ पत्थर - Baluā Patthar (Sandstone) बजरी - Bajri (Gravel) சுண்ணாம்புச் சாந்து - Chunāmbuch chāndhu (Lime Mortar) செங்கல் தூள் - Ceṅkal tūḷ (Brick Powder) சுண்ணாம்புச் சாந்து - Cuṇṇāmpuc cāntu (Lime Mortar) செங்கல் - Ceṅkal (Brick) சுர்க்கி - Curkki (Surkhi)

Materials

चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar)

सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust)

Kankar (Lime Nodules)

Bajri (Gravel)

ईंट - Īnt (Brick)

चूना - Chunā (Lime)

कंकड़ - Kankar (Lime Nodules)

रेत - Ret (Sand)

Kankar (for lime production)

रेती - Retī (Sand)

Bājri (Gravel)

कंकड़ - Kankar (Gravel)

पानी - Pānī (Water)

कंकड़ - Kankar (Kankar)

बजरी - Bajri (Aggregate)

Kankar

गुड़ - Guṛ (Jaggery)

Kāshtha (Wood)

बलुआ पत्थर - Baluā Patthar (Sandstone)

बजरी - Bajri (Gravel)

சுண்ணாம்புச் சாந்து - Chunāmbuch chāndhu (Lime Mortar)

செங்கல் தூள் - Ceṅkal tūḷ (Brick Powder)

சுண்ணாம்புச் சாந்து - Cuṇṇāmpuc cāntu (Lime Mortar)

செங்கல் - Ceṅkal (Brick)

சுர்க்கி - Curkki (Surkhi)

Related Styles

Styles	Nagara architecture style Dravidian architecture style Indo-Islamic architecture Indo-Islamic Architecture Regional Architecture Chettinad architecture Indo-Islamic architecture style Chalukya architecture style Solanki architecture style Regional vernacular architecture Temple architecture Mauryan architecture Gupta architecture Mauryan architecture style Gupta architecture style Regional styles of Gujarat and Rajasthan Solanki architecture Regional variations of Hindu temple architecture Rajput architecture style Kashmiri Temple Architecture Regional temple architecture Regional Sindh architecture Vijayanagara architecture style Regional temple architecture styles Rajput architecture Mughal architecture Regional architecture styles Temple architecture styles Maurya architecture style

Styles

Nagara architecture style

Dravidian architecture style

Indo-Islamic architecture

Indo-Islamic Architecture

Regional Architecture

Chettinad architecture

Indo-Islamic architecture style

Chalukya architecture style

Solanki architecture style

Regional vernacular architecture

Temple architecture

Mauryan architecture

Gupta architecture

Mauryan architecture style

Gupta architecture style

Regional styles of Gujarat and Rajasthan

Solanki architecture

Regional variations of Hindu temple architecture

Rajput architecture style

Kashmiri Temple Architecture

Regional temple architecture

Regional Sindh architecture

Vijayanagara architecture style

Regional temple architecture styles

Rajput architecture

Mughal architecture

Regional architecture styles

Temple architecture styles

Maurya architecture style

Related Categories

Categories	Temple Fort Stepwell Mosque Palace Mansion Tomb Well Dam Stupa Pillar Havelis Temples Wells Monastery Stepwells Residential Buildings Public buildings Water tank Water structures Cave Water Structures

Conservation Notes

Notes	Susceptible to acid rain Requires breathable lime mortars Vulnerable to salt weathering Requires protection from weathering Cleaning with pH-neutral solutions Susceptible to acid rain and weathering Requires breathable lime-based repairs Salt crystallization can cause damage Requires consolidation with lime-based grouts Biological growth on surface Requires protective coatings Biological growth can be an issue Susceptible to acid dissolution Biological growth Surface erosion Susceptible to dissolution by acidic water Biological growth can damage the surface Requires careful cleaning to avoid abrasion Susceptible to dissolution by acidic solutions Requires cleaning with pH-neutral solutions Dissolution of calcium carbonate Vulnerable to dissolution Biocide treatment for moss growth Highly susceptible to acid rain and dissolution Prone to biological growth Requires protection from water ingress Susceptible to acid rain erosion Vulnerable to salt crystallization Requires breathable lime-based consolidants Susceptible to acid rain and dissolution Requires regular cleaning Use of alkaline consolidants Can dissolve over time Vulnerable to biological growth Requires alkaline cleaning agents Vulnerable to acid rain Susceptible to acid rain due to calcium carbonate content Requires protection from atmospheric pollution Biodeterioration by algae and fungi Requires protection from moisture May exhibit biological growth Lime-based repairs are preferred Biodeterioration by algae and lichens Weathering Dissolution in acidic environments Requires regular cleaning and protective coatings Use of sacrificial lime coatings Requires consolidation treatments Dissolution in water Prone to dissolution Weathering due to dissolution Requires regular cleaning and consolidation Highly susceptible to acid rain Cleaning with alkaline solutions is not recommended Biodeterioration is a concern Cleaning with alkaline solutions Avoid harsh chemical cleaners Prone to dissolution in acidic environments Requires protective coatings to prevent weathering Requires protection from atmospheric pollutants Avoid acidic cleaning agents Biocide treatment for algae growth

Notes

Susceptible to acid rain
Requires breathable lime mortars
Vulnerable to salt weathering
Requires protection from weathering
Cleaning with pH-neutral solutions
Susceptible to acid rain and weathering
Requires breathable lime-based repairs
Salt crystallization can cause damage
Requires consolidation with lime-based grouts
Biological growth on surface
Requires protective coatings
Biological growth can be an issue
Susceptible to acid dissolution
Biological growth
Surface erosion
Susceptible to dissolution by acidic water
Biological growth can damage the surface
Requires careful cleaning to avoid abrasion
Susceptible to dissolution by acidic solutions
Requires cleaning with pH-neutral solutions
Dissolution of calcium carbonate
Vulnerable to dissolution
Biocide treatment for moss growth
Highly susceptible to acid rain and dissolution
Prone to biological growth
Requires protection from water ingress
Susceptible to acid rain erosion
Vulnerable to salt crystallization
Requires breathable lime-based consolidants
Susceptible to acid rain and dissolution
Requires regular cleaning
Use of alkaline consolidants
Can dissolve over time
Vulnerable to biological growth
Requires alkaline cleaning agents
Vulnerable to acid rain
Susceptible to acid rain due to calcium carbonate content
Requires protection from atmospheric pollution
Biodeterioration by algae and fungi
Requires protection from moisture
May exhibit biological growth
Lime-based repairs are preferred
Biodeterioration by algae and lichens
Weathering
Dissolution in acidic environments
Requires regular cleaning and protective coatings
Use of sacrificial lime coatings
Requires consolidation treatments
Dissolution in water
Prone to dissolution
Weathering due to dissolution
Requires regular cleaning and consolidation
Highly susceptible to acid rain
Cleaning with alkaline solutions is not recommended
Biodeterioration is a concern
Cleaning with alkaline solutions
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners
Prone to dissolution in acidic environments
Requires protective coatings to prevent weathering
Requires protection from atmospheric pollutants
Avoid acidic cleaning agents
Biocide treatment for algae growth

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis
Indian Minerals Yearbook	Government Report	Limestone production and properties
Geological Survey of India Reports	Technical Report	Limestone deposits in Tamil Nadu
Geology of Building Stones	Book	Limestone characteristics
Building Limes in India	Technical Publication	Properties and applications
Archaeological Chemistry: Materials, Methods, and Meaning	Book	Limestone analysis in archaeological contexts
Lime Production Techniques in India	Historical Document	Traditional methods
Indian Geological Survey Reports	Geological Survey	Limestone deposits in India
Archaeological Survey of India Reports	Report	Limestone usage in ancient structures
Building Stones of India	Book	Geological survey
Archaeological Chemistry	Book	Limestone analysis
Indian Minerals Yearbook	Government Publication	Limestone resources
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Limestone deposits in Rajasthan
Building Limes in India	Technical Report	Limestone types and uses
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis
Ancient Indian Building Materials	Book	Properties and uses of limestone
Archaeological Chemistry	Book	Material degradation
Archaeological Survey of India Reports	Report	Material analysis of monuments
Building Stones of India	Book	Geological survey report
Ancient Indian Building Materials	Book	Detailed analysis of limestone usage
Building Limes in India: Production, Properties and Use	Book	Limestone properties and applications
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Report	Limestone deposits in India
Building Limes in India	Book	Limestone properties and uses

Heritage Sites (4)

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Naguleswaram Temple Keerimalai Jaffna Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple Nainativu Jaffna Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Jaffna Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Thiruketheeswaram Temple Mannar Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%

चूना पत्थर (Limestone)