| Title | पोर्टलैंड चूना पत्थर (Portland Stone)Rare Porṭalaiṇḍ cūnā patthar Portland Stone |
|---|---|
| Description | Portland Stone (पोर्टलैंड स्टोन), a light-colored oolitic limestone [1] imported into the Indian subcontinent, exhibits a density of 2240 kg/m³ and compressive strength of 52 MPa. Known as पोर्टलैंड शिला, धवल चूना पत्थर, or श्वेत पाषाण in Indic languages, its geological origin is sedimentary, formed from calcium carbonate deposits. Water absorption ranges from 3-5%, with a porosity of 15-20%. While not a traditional *shilpa shastra* material sourced from *khanija* (mines) or *adri* (mountains) within India, its use in colonial-era architecture and later structures necessitates conservation understanding. Processing involves quarrying, cutting, and shaping, similar to indigenous *chuna pathar*. Durability is affected by acid rain and weathering, requiring protective coatings and consolidation techniques. Restoration of structures incorporating Portland Stone, particularly those influenced by European architectural styles during the British Raj, demands careful material matching and compatible repair mortars. Understanding its properties is crucial for preserving this imported element within India's architectural heritage. [2], [3] |
| Also Known As | Portland Stone Porṭalaiṇḍ cūnā patthar Portland Stone Portland Limestone Oolitic Limestone पोर्टलैंड शिला पोर्टलैंड लाइमस्टोन धवल चूना पत्थर श्वेत पाषाण சுண்ணாம்புக்கல் (Tamil) సున్నపురాయి (Telugu) ಸುಣ್ಣಕಲ್ಲು (Kannada) சுண்ணாம்புக்கல் (Malayalam) |
| Tags | Portland Stone Limestone Oolitic Limestone Dorset Building Stone |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-835451049-20-11-25-PA |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/portland-stone |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/portland-stone |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 0 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Sedimentary Rock Limestone Oolitic Limestone |
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| Regions | United Kingdom India (Imported) |
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| Time Periods | Early Modern Period (17th Century CE onwards) |
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| Sources | Portland quarries, Dorset, England |
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| Properties | Density: 2240 kg/m³ Compressive strength: 52 MPa Water absorption: 3-5% Porosity: 15-20% |
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| Uses | Stone cladding Facing stone Architectural ornamentation Load-bearing masonry Sculptural elements |
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| Materials | Lime mortar (for jointing) Iron fixings |
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| Styles | Neoclassical Palladian |
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| Categories | Civic buildings Monuments |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Geology of Portland Stone | Geological Survey | Origin and properties |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bhaktivedanta Manor Watford | Secondary | Roof | 100% |