| Title | कोंडालाइट शैल (Khondalite Stone)Rare Konḍālāiṭa Śaila Khondalite Stone |
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| Description | Khonḍālaiṭa Shilā (कोंडालाइट शिला), a gneiss [1], is a metamorphic rock prevalent in the Eastern Ghats of the Indian subcontinent, notably Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Its mineral composition includes garnet (रत्नमणि), sillimanite, graphite (कृष्णांजन), quartz, and feldspar [2]. Density ranges from 2.6-2.8 g/cm³, compressive strength from 80-150 MPa, and thermal expansion coefficient from 6-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C [2]. Historically, Khondalite was extensively used by dynasties like the Eastern Ganga Dynasty for load-bearing walls, foundation stones (आधारशिला), decorative carvings (उत्कीर्णन), and paving [3]. Traditional quarries (खदान) in the region provided the stone. Processing involved quarrying, cutting (कर्तन), and shaping (आकार देना) using traditional tools. Durability is affected by weathering and mineral alteration. Conservation (संरक्षण) efforts at heritage sites require careful assessment of material degradation and appropriate restoration techniques, including consolidation and repair [3]. Understanding its petrology is crucial for preservation. |
| Also Known As | Khondalite Stone Konḍālāiṭa Śaila Khondalite Khondalite Rock Foliated Metamorphic Rock कोंडालाइट पत्थर कोंडालाइट शिला कोंडलाइट पाषाण ఖొండలైట్ రాయి (Telugu) கோண்டலைட் கல் (Tamil) ಖೊಂಡಲೈಟ್ ಕಲ್ಲು (Kannada) ഖോണ്ടലൈറ്റ് കല്ല് (Malayalam) |
| Tags | Khondalite Metamorphic Rock Gneiss Garnet Sillimanite Odisha Andhra Pradesh |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-503782492-20-11-25-KS |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/khondalite-stone |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/khondalite-stone |
| Total Sites | 2 |
| Primary Sites | 2 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Metamorphic Rock Gneiss |
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| Regions | Odisha Andhra Pradesh |
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| Time Periods | Ancient Period Medieval Period |
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| Dynasties | Eastern Ganga Dynasty |
| Sources | Eastern Ghats quarries Khondalite deposits in Odisha Quarries near Visakhapatnam |
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| Properties | Density: 2.6-2.8 g/cm³ Compressive strength: 80-150 MPa Mineral composition: Garnet, Sillimanite, Graphite, Quartz, Feldspar Thermal expansion coefficient: 6-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C |
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| Uses | Load-bearing walls Foundation stones Decorative carvings Paving |
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| Materials | Lime Mortar Wood Brick Dust |
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| Styles | Kalinga architecture Deula architecture |
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| Categories | Temple Fort |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Geological Survey of India Reports | Geological Survey | Khondalite formations in Eastern Ghats |
| Geology of Odisha | Book | Khondalite geology and distribution |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barabati Fort Cuttack | Primary | 100% | |
| Jagannath Temple Puri | Primary | 100% |