| Title | प्रवाल भित्ति शिला (Coral Stone)Rare Pravāla bhitti śilā Coral Stone |
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| Description | प्रवालशिला - Pravālaśilā (Coral Stone), also known as मूंगा पत्थर (Munga Pathar) and विद्रुम शिला (Vidruma Shila), is a biogenic limestone [1] primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) derived from marine coral skeletons. Found extensively along the Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka coasts, and the Lakshadweep Islands, it served as a crucial building material in pre-colonial and medieval Indic architecture. Characterized by high porosity (30-50%) and a density of 1.8-2.2 g/cm³, Pravālaśilā exhibits relatively low compressive strength (5-15 MPa). Traditional quarrying methods involved extracting blocks from submerged coral reefs. Its use is documented in well linings, non-load-bearing walls, and decorative elements of heritage sites. Due to its porous nature, Pravālaśilā is susceptible to weathering and salt erosion, necessitating careful conservation strategies involving desalination and consolidation techniques. பவளக்கல் (Pavazhakal), పగడపు రాయి (Pagadapu raayi), ಹವಳ ಕಲ್ಲು (Havala kallu), and പവിഴക്കല്ല് (Pavizhakkallu) are regional names. |
| Also Known As | Coral Stone Pravāla bhitti śilā Coral Stone Coral Rock Reef Stone Coral Limestone प्रवाल शैल मूंगा पत्थर विद्रुम शिला பவளக்கல் (Pavazhakal) పగడపు రాయి (Pagadapu raayi) ಹವಳ ಕಲ್ಲು (Havala kallu) പവിഴക്കല്ല് (Pavizhakkallu) |
| Tags | प्रवाल शिला Pravāla Shilā Coral Stone Limestone Coastal Construction Porous Stone |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-647909455-20-11-25-PA |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/coral-stone |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/coral-stone |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 0 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Sedimentary Rock Biogenic Limestone Calcium Carbonate Rock |
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| Regions | Gujarat Coast Tamil Nadu Coast Kerala Coast Karnataka Coast Lakshadweep Islands |
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| Time Periods | Pre-Colonial Period Medieval Period Colonial Period |
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| Sources | Gulf of Mannar Lakshadweep Islands Coastal Quarries (Gujarat) Coastal Coral Reefs (India) |
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| Properties | Compressive Strength: 5-15 MPa Porosity: 30-50% Density: 1.8-2.2 g/cm³ High Water Absorption |
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| Uses | Exterior Walls Foundation Stones Decorative Elements Well Linings Non-Load-Bearing Walls Ornamental Features |
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| Materials | Chunā (Lime Mortar) Samudrī Reta (Sea Sand) Retī (Sand) |
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| Styles | Coastal Architecture Indo-Islamic Architecture Vernacular Architecture |
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| Categories | Temple Mosque Fort Residential buildings |
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| Notes |
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| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shiva Temple Bur Dubai / Jebel Ali | Secondary | Walls | 100% |