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  3. श्वेत बलुआ पत्थर (White Sandstone)
Title

श्वेत बलुआ पत्थर (White Sandstone)

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Rare

Śveta baluā patthara

White Sandstone

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Descriptionश्वेत पाषाण (Shveta Pāshāna, White Sandstone), also known as सफेद बलुआ पत्थर (Safed Balua Patthar), is a sedimentary arenite [1] extensively utilized in Indic heritage architecture. Primarily composed of quartz grains cemented by silica or calcite, its geological origin lies in ancient fluvial or aeolian deposits across the Indian subcontinent, notably in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Physical properties include a compressive strength of 30-60 MPa, density of 2.2-2.6 g/cm³, porosity ranging from 10-20%, and a thermal expansion coefficient of 10-12 x 10⁻⁶/°C. [2]. Its historical usage is prominent in structures built during the Medieval Period by dynasties like the Solanki and Chandela, serving as architectural facades, load-bearing walls, pillars, and decorative carvings [3]. Traditional processing involved quarrying (खनन, Khanan) and shaping using hand tools. Durability is affected by weathering, erosion, and biological growth. Conservation efforts focus on cleaning, consolidation, and preventing water ingress. Traditional knowledge (शिल्प शास्त्र, Shilpa Shastra) guides restoration, ensuring material compatibility and preserving the शुभ्र शिला (Shubhra Shila, Auspicious White Stone) for future generations [4]. [1] http://vocab.getty.edu/aat/300011376 [2] (Hypothetical, needs a real citation) [3] (Hypothetical, needs a real citation) [4] (Hypothetical, needs a real citation)
Also Known As
White Sandstone
Śveta baluā patthara
White Sandstone
Light Sandstone
Pale Sandstone
सफेद बलुआ पत्थर
धवल पाषाण
शुभ्र शिला
श्वेत शिला
Tags
Shveta Pāshāna
White Sandstone
Sandstone
Makrana
Dholpur
Carving
Architectural Stone
Material ID
INHFMAT-675156555-20-11-25-SN
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/white-sandstone
API Endpoint
https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/white-sandstone
Total Sites1
Primary Sites1
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types
Sedimentary Rock
Arenite
Quartz Arenite

Regions

Regions
Rajasthan
Uttar Pradesh

Historical Context

Time Periods
Medieval Period
Dynasties
Solanki Dynasty
Chandela Dynasty

Geographic Sources

Sources
Makrana
Dholpur

Properties

Properties
Compressive Strength: 30-60 MPa
Density: 2.2-2.6 g/cm³
Porosity: 10-20%
Thermal Expansion Coefficient: 10-12 x 10⁻⁶/°C

Common Uses

Uses
Architectural Facades
Load-Bearing Walls
Pillars
Decorative Carvings
Paving

Related Materials

Materials
Lime Mortar
Surkhi (Brick Dust)

Related Styles

Styles
Nagara Architecture
Maru-Gurjara Architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Temple
Stepwell

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to Acid Rain Erosion
  • Requires Consolidation Treatments
  • Prone to Biological Growth Staining

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
ASI Technical BulletinTechnical ReportMaterial analysis of sandstone structures

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Phimai Historical Park Nakhon Ratchasima
Primary
100%

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