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Title

ज्वालामुखी शैल (Volcanic Rock)

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Rare

Jvālāmukhī Śaila

Volcanic Rock

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
DescriptionJwālāmukhī Shilā (ज्वालामुखी शिला), or Volcanic Rock, encompasses diverse extrusive igneous rocks utilized extensively in Indic heritage architecture [1]. Varied compositions, influenced by volcanic source, yield rocks like basalt and andesite. Physical properties such as density (2.3-3.3 g/cm³) and compressive strength (50-300 MPa) are highly variable. Traditional applications include foundation construction (शिला न्यासः), wall construction (भित्ति निर्माणम्), and paving. Historical usage is documented in structures built during the Sailendra Dynasty and Mataram Kingdom (8th-10th centuries CE) in regions like Java and Sumatra. Traditional quarries (खदान) provided the raw material. Durability depends on porosity, affecting weathering resistance. Conservation considerations involve addressing water ingress and salt efflorescence. Common Indic names include अग्नि पाषाणम् (Agni Pāṣāṇam) and अग्निजन्य शैल (Agnijanya Shaila). Restoration efforts require careful material matching and traditional construction techniques.
Also Known As
Volcanic Rock
Jvālāmukhī Śaila
Volcanic Rock
Igneous Rock
Extrusive Rock
आग्नेय शैल
अग्निजन्य शैल
ज्वालामुखी पत्थर
अग्नि पाषाणम्
கொந்தளிப்பு பாறை (Kontalippu paarai)
అగ్ని శిల (Agni shila)
ಅಗ್ನಿ ಶಿಲೆ (Agni shile)
അഗ്നി ശില (Agni shila)
Tags
Volcanic Rock
Igneous Rock
Extrusive Rock
Java
Construction Material
Material ID
INHFMAT-767442935-20-11-25-JL
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/volcanic-rock
API Endpoint
https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/volcanic-rock
Total Sites1
Primary Sites0
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types
Extrusive Igneous Rock
Volcanic Rock

Regions

Regions
Indonesia
Java
Sumatra

Historical Context

Time Periods
8th Century CE
9th Century CE
10th Century CE
Dynasties
Sailendra Dynasty
Mataram Kingdom

Geographic Sources

Sources
Mount Merapi
Mount Bromo
Volcanic regions of Java

Properties

Properties
Density: 2.3-3.3 g/cm³ (variable)
Porosity: 0.1-50% (highly variable)
Thermal conductivity: 0.8-4 W/mK (variable)
Compressive strength: 50-300 MPa (variable)

Common Uses

Uses
Foundation construction
Wall construction
Paving
Sculptural elements
Temple construction

Related Materials

Materials
Lime Mortar
Volcanic Ash

Related Styles

Styles
Javanese Temple Architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Temple
Monument

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to acid rain erosion
  • Salt weathering in coastal areas
  • Biological growth

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Prambanan Temple Compounds Yogyakarta
Secondary
100%

Frequently Asked Questions