Question 1

What is सुर्खी चूर्ण (Surkhi (Surkhi))?

Accepted Answer

सुर्खी (Surkhi), also known as ईंट का चूरा (burnt brick powder) or पक्व मृत्तिका चूर्ण (calcined clay powder), is a fine aggregate [1] employed as a pozzolanic additive in lime mortar, particularly prevalent in Indic heritage architecture. Its geological origin lies in clay deposits across the Indian subcontinent, traditionally sourced from riverbeds and quarries. Processing involves burning clay bricks or tiles followed by pulverization. The resulting powder, with a specific gravity of 2.5-2.7, exhibits high pozzolanic activity, reacting with lime (चूना) to form calcium silicate hydrates, enhancing mortar strength and durability.

Historical usage is documented in structures from the Maurya to Mughal periods, improving water resistance and overall longevity. Traditional construction methods, detailed in ancient texts like the *Manasara*, emphasize precise proportioning of सुर्खी, lime, and other aggregates. Conservation efforts at sites like Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves necessitate careful analysis of original mortar compositions and the sourcing of compatible सुर्खी for restoration. Durability depends on clay composition and burning temperature. [2], [3]

Question 2

What type of material is सुर्खी चूर्ण (Surkhi (Surkhi))?

Accepted Answer

सुर्खी चूर्ण (Surkhi (Surkhi)) is classified as Pozzolan, Additive, Mortar Component. Key properties include Fine powder consistency, Specific gravity: 2.5-2.7, High pozzolanic activity.

Question 3

Where is सुर्खी चूर्ण (Surkhi (Surkhi)) used?

Accepted Answer

सुर्खी चूर्ण (Surkhi (Surkhi)) is commonly used in South Asia, India. It is sourced from Local brick kilns, Recycled brick rubble.

Question 4

How is सुर्खी चूर्ण (Surkhi (Surkhi)) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

सुर्खी चूर्ण (Surkhi (Surkhi)) is used for Additive in lime mortar for improved hydraulic properties, Production of hydraulic lime, Component in plaster in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Title	सुर्खी चूर्ण (Surkhi (Surkhi)) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Surkhī cūrṇa Surkhi (Surkhi) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	सुर्खी (Surkhi), also known as ईंट का चूरा (burnt brick powder) or पक्व मृत्तिका चूर्ण (calcined clay powder), is a fine aggregate [1] employed as a pozzolanic additive in lime mortar, particularly prevalent in Indic heritage architecture. Its geological origin lies in clay deposits across the Indian subcontinent, traditionally sourced from riverbeds and quarries. Processing involves burning clay bricks or tiles followed by pulverization. The resulting powder, with a specific gravity of 2.5-2.7, exhibits high pozzolanic activity, reacting with lime (चूना) to form calcium silicate hydrates, enhancing mortar strength and durability. Historical usage is documented in structures from the Maurya to Mughal periods, improving water resistance and overall longevity. Traditional construction methods, detailed in ancient texts like the Manasara, emphasize precise proportioning of सुर्खी, lime, and other aggregates. Conservation efforts at sites like Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves necessitate careful analysis of original mortar compositions and the sourcing of compatible सुर्खी for restoration. Durability depends on clay composition and burning temperature. [2], [3]
Also Known As	Surkhi (Surkhi) Surkhī cūrṇa Surkhi Burnt Clay Powder Brick Dust Terracotta Powder सुर्खी ईंट का चूरा पक्व मृत्तिका चूर्ण सुरखी सुरकी
Tags	Surkhi Brick Dust Pozzolan Lime Mortar Hydraulic Lime Terracotta Powder
Material ID	`INHFMAT-423047299-20-11-25-SH`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/surkhi
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/surkhi`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Title	सुर्खी चूर्ण (Surkhi (Surkhi)) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Surkhī cūrṇa Surkhi (Surkhi) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	सुर्खी (Surkhi), also known as ईंट का चूरा (burnt brick powder) or पक्व मृत्तिका चूर्ण (calcined clay powder), is a fine aggregate [1] employed as a pozzolanic additive in lime mortar, particularly prevalent in Indic heritage architecture. Its geological origin lies in clay deposits across the Indian subcontinent, traditionally sourced from riverbeds and quarries. Processing involves burning clay bricks or tiles followed by pulverization. The resulting powder, with a specific gravity of 2.5-2.7, exhibits high pozzolanic activity, reacting with lime (चूना) to form calcium silicate hydrates, enhancing mortar strength and durability. Historical usage is documented in structures from the Maurya to Mughal periods, improving water resistance and overall longevity. Traditional construction methods, detailed in ancient texts like the Manasara, emphasize precise proportioning of सुर्खी, lime, and other aggregates. Conservation efforts at sites like Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves necessitate careful analysis of original mortar compositions and the sourcing of compatible सुर्खी for restoration. Durability depends on clay composition and burning temperature. [2], [3]
Also Known As	Surkhi (Surkhi) Surkhī cūrṇa Surkhi Burnt Clay Powder Brick Dust Terracotta Powder सुर्खी ईंट का चूरा पक्व मृत्तिका चूर्ण सुरखी सुरकी
Tags	Surkhi Brick Dust Pozzolan Lime Mortar Hydraulic Lime Terracotta Powder
Material ID	`INHFMAT-423047299-20-11-25-SH`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/surkhi
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/surkhi`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

सुर्खी चूर्ण (Surkhi (Surkhi))

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Heritage Sites (1)

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