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  4. गुलाबी बलुआ पत्थर (Pink Sandstone)
Title

गुलाबी बलुआ पत्थर (Pink Sandstone)

4.5/5(Based on 7 heritage sites)
Uncommon

Gulābī Baluā Patthar

Pink Sandstone

4.5/5(Based on 7 heritage sites)
DescriptionBaluā 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
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/pink-sandstone
API Endpoint
https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/pink-sandstone
Total Sites7
Primary Sites5
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types
Sedimentary Rock
Arenite

Regions

Regions
Rajasthan
Uttar Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh

Historical Context

Time Periods
Medieval Period
Mughal Period
Rajput Period
Modern Era
Dynasties
Rajput Dynasty
Mughal Dynasty

Geographic Sources

Sources
Dholpur quarries
Karauli quarries

Properties

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%

Common Uses

Uses
Cladding
Decorative carvings
Paving
Exterior walls
Pillars
Load-bearing walls
Wall construction

Related Materials

Materials
चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar)
सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust)

Related Styles

Styles
Indo-Islamic architecture
Rajput architecture
Nagara architecture
Modern Indian architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Temple
Palace
Fort
Public Buildings

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to weathering
  • Prone to salt efflorescence
  • Requires breathable sealant
  • Requires periodic cleaning and sealing
  • Avoid harsh chemical cleaners
  • Susceptible to weathering due to salt crystallization
  • Requires consolidation treatments
  • Prone to exfoliation
  • Susceptible to weathering due to porosity
  • Requires regular cleaning to prevent staining

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Geological Survey of India ReportsGeological SurveySandstone properties
Geology of RajasthanGeological SurveySandstone formations

Heritage Sites (7)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
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%

Frequently Asked Questions