Question 1

What is श्वेत बलुआ पत्थर (White Sandstone)?

Accepted Answer

श्वेत 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)

Question 2

What type of material is श्वेत बलुआ पत्थर (White Sandstone)?

Accepted Answer

श्वेत बलुआ पत्थर (White Sandstone) is classified as Sedimentary Rock, Arenite, Quartz Arenite. Key properties include Compressive Strength: 30-60 MPa, Density: 2.2-2.6 g/cm³, Porosity: 10-20%.

Question 3

Where is श्वेत बलुआ पत्थर (White Sandstone) used?

Accepted Answer

श्वेत बलुआ पत्थर (White Sandstone) is commonly used in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh. It is sourced from Makrana, Dholpur.

Question 4

How is श्वेत बलुआ पत्थर (White Sandstone) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

श्वेत बलुआ पत्थर (White Sandstone) is used for Architectural Facades, Load-Bearing Walls, Pillars, Decorative Carvings, Paving in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for श्वेत बलुआ पत्थर (White Sandstone)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of श्वेत बलुआ पत्थर (White Sandstone) requires attention to Susceptible to Acid Rain Erosion and Requires Consolidation Treatments. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

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)
Description	श्वेत 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`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/white-sandstone
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/white-sandstone`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Medieval Period
Dynasties	Solanki Dynasty Chandela Dynasty

श्वेत बलुआ पत्थर (White Sandstone)

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Heritage Sites (1)

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