| Title | गुलाबी बलुआ पत्थर (Pink Sandstone)Uncommon Gulābī Baluā Patthar Pink Sandstone |
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| Description | Baluā Patthar (बलुआ पत्थर), specifically the pink variety, is a sedimentary arenite [1] widely employed in Indic heritage architecture. Its characteristic *raktim* (रक्तिम) or *gulabi* (गुलाबी) hue originates from hematite (Fe₂O₃) within the quartz matrix. Quarried extensively across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, this *pāṣāṇa* (पाषाण) or stone, exhibits compressive strength ranging from 30-70 MPa, porosity of 5-25%, and density between 2.2-2.6 g/cm³ [2]. Thermal expansion coefficient is 10-14 x 10⁻⁶ /°C, with water absorption of 1-3%. Traditional *sthapatis* (architects) utilized it for load-bearing walls, cladding, paving, and intricate carvings. Mughal and Rajput dynasties favored its use in forts, palaces, and temples, exemplified in structures across Rajasthan [3]. Conservation efforts address weathering, erosion, and biological growth, employing techniques like consolidation and biocide application to preserve this *dhātu* (धातु) or material [4]. Traditional lime mortars (*chuna*) are often used in restoration [5]. |
| Also Known As | Pink Sandstone Gulābī Baluā Patthar Pink Sandstone Red Sandstone (if reddish) Baluā Patthar (common Indian usage) गुलाबी बलुआ पत्थर रक्तिम बलुआ पत्थर गुलाबी शिला बलुआ पत्थर पाण्डुर पाषाण சிவப்பு மணற்கல் (Civappu maṇarkal) గులాబీ ఇసుకరాయి (Gulābī isukarāyi) ಗುಲಾಬಿ ಮರಳುಗಲ್ಲು (Gulābi maraḷugallu) |
| Tags | बलुआ पत्थर Baluā Patthar Sandstone Rajasthan Pink Sandstone Cladding Quarry Masonry |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-857741735-20-11-25-BH |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/pink-sandstone |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/pink-sandstone |
| Total Sites | 7 |
| Primary Sites | 5 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Sedimentary Rock Arenite |
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| Regions | Rajasthan Uttar Pradesh Madhya Pradesh |
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| Time Periods | Medieval Period Mughal Period Rajput Period Modern Era |
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| Dynasties | Rajput Dynasty Mughal Dynasty |
| Sources | Dholpur quarries Karauli quarries |
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| Properties | Compressive strength: 30-70 MPa Porosity: 5-25% Density: 2.2-2.6 g/cm³ Thermal expansion coefficient: 10-14 x 10⁻⁶ /°C Water absorption: 1-3% |
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| Uses | Cladding Decorative carvings Paving Exterior walls Pillars Load-bearing walls Wall construction |
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| Materials | चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust) |
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| Styles | Indo-Islamic architecture Rajput architecture Nagara architecture Modern Indian architecture |
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| Categories | Temple Palace Fort Public Buildings |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Geological Survey of India Reports | Geological Survey | Sandstone properties |
| Geology of Rajasthan | Geological Survey | Sandstone formations |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi | Primary | 100% | |
| Phanom Rung Historical Park Buri Ram | Primary | 100% | |
| Prasat Hin Muang Tam Buri Ram | Primary | 100% | |
| Prasat Phanom Wan Nakhon Ratchasima | Primary | 100% | |
| Prasat Ta Mueang Surin | Primary | 100% | |
| Maha Lakshmi Temple Abu Dhabi (BAPS Campus) | Secondary | 100% | |
| Swaminarayan Akshardham Gandhinagar | Secondary | 100% |