Title

राजस्थानी बलुआ पत्थर (Rajasthani Sandstone)

Rare

Rājasthānī Baluā Patthar

Rajasthani Sandstone

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Descriptionराजस्थानी बलुआ पत्थर (Rājasthānī Baluā Patthar), or Rajasthani Sandstone [1], is a sedimentary rock predominantly composed of quartz grains, with feldspar and mica constituents. Cementation occurs via silica or calcium carbonate. Quarried extensively in Rajasthan, its geological origin is linked to fluvial and aeolian depositional environments. Physical properties include compressive strength (40-70 MPa), porosity (5-15%), and density (2.3-2.7 g/cm³) [2]. Traditional extraction methods, employing hand tools and minimal blasting, are still practiced. Historically, this *śilā* (stone) was favored by Rajput and Mughal dynasties for *sthāpatya* (architecture). Examples include forts, palaces, and temples where it served as *bhitti* (wall) cladding, *dvara* (door) lintels, and *torana* (arches). Durability is affected by weathering, requiring conservation strategies such as consolidation and surface treatments. *Jala* (water) ingress is a primary degradation factor. Restoration often involves replacing damaged *avayava* (elements) with matching stone from traditional *khadāna* (quarries). [3]
Also Known As
Rajasthani Sandstone
Rājasthānī Baluā Patthar
Rajasthani Sandstone
Desert Sandstone
Indian Sandstone
राजस्थानी बलुआ पत्थर
मरुस्थली बलुआ पत्थर
रेतीला पत्थर
राजस्थान का पत्थर
ராஜஸ்தானி மணற்கல் (Rājasthāṉi maṇaṟkal)
రాజస్థానీ ఇసుకరాయి (Rājasthānī isukarāyi)
ರಾಜಸ್ಥಾನಿ ಮರಳುಗಲ್ಲು (Rājasthāni maraḷugallu)
రాజస్థానీ సైకత శిల (Rājasthānī saikata śila)
Tags
Rajasthani Sandstone
Sandstone
Rajasthan
Quarry
Construction Material
Building Stone
Material ID
INHFMAT-997002861-20-11-25-RN
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/rajasthani-sandstone
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/rajasthani-sandstone
Total Sites1
Primary Sites0
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

Material Types

Types
Sedimentary Rock
Sandstone

Regions

Regions
Rajasthan

Historical Context

Time Periods
Medieval Period
Mughal Period
Post-Mughal Period
Modern Period
Dynasties
Rajput Dynasty
Mughal Dynasty

Geographic Sources

Sources
Jodhpur quarries
Kota quarries

Properties

Properties
Compressive strength: 40-70 MPa
Porosity: 5-15%
Density: 2.3-2.7 g/cm³
Flexural strength: 5-10 MPa

Common Uses

Uses
Exterior cladding
Paving
Lintels
Arches
Wall construction
Sculptural elements

Related Materials

Materials
Lime Mortar
Surkhi (Brick Dust)

Related Styles

Styles
Rajput architecture
Indo-Islamic architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Fort
Palace
Temple

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to salt weathering
  • Requires consolidation treatments
  • Prone to biological growth
  • Vulnerable to erosion

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Indian Minerals YearbookResource SurveySandstone production data

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Swaminarayan Akshardham Gandhinagar
Secondary
100%

Frequently Asked Questions