| Title | लाल बलुआ पत्थर (Red Sandstone)Uncommon Lāl Baluā Patthar Red Sandstone |
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| Description | Lāl Baluā Patthar (लाल बलुआ पत्थर), or Red Sandstone, is a clastic sedimentary rock [1], extensively used in Indic heritage architecture. Its reddish hue originates from iron oxides (2-5%) [2]. Predominantly composed of quartz and feldspar, its mineral composition influences durability. Density ranges from 2.2-2.8 g/cm³, porosity from 3-20%, and compressive strength from 20-80 MPa [2]. Traditional quarries in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh provided the stone. The Mughal Dynasty and Rajput Dynasties utilized it extensively for *jalis*, *jharokhas*, and load-bearing walls. *Rakta Varna Balua Patthar* (रक्त वर्ण बलुआ पत्थर) is a Sanskrit descriptor. Thermal expansion coefficient is 10-12 x 10⁻⁶/°C [2]. Conservation involves addressing weathering, erosion, and biological growth. Traditional *sthapathis* (architects) employed techniques to enhance its longevity. Restoration requires compatible materials and methods to preserve its structural integrity and aesthetic qualities in sites like Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort [3]. |
| Also Known As | Red Sandstone Lāl Baluā Patthar Red Sandstone Red Arenite रक्त वर्ण बलुआ पत्थर गेरुआ बलुआ पत्थर लोहित बलुआ पत्थर चेन्नई கற்கள் (Cennai கற்கள்) ఎర్ర ఇసుకరాయి (Erra Isukarāyi) ಕೆಂಪು ಮರಳುಗಲ್ಲು (Kempu Maraḷugallu) |
| Tags | बलुआ पत्थर Baluā Patthar Red Sandstone Sandstone Rajasthan Mughal Karauli Dholpur Quarry Masonry Red Stone Fort Fatehpur Sikri Lāl Baluā Patthar Quartz Arenite Sedimentary Rock लाल बलुआ पत्थर Agra Iron Oxide Quartz Sedimentary |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-830874825-20-11-25-LA |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/red-sandstone |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/red-sandstone |
| Total Sites | 6 |
| Primary Sites | 4 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Sedimentary Rock Clastic Sedimentary Rock Arenite Quartz Arenite Feldspathic Sandstone Iron Oxide Sandstone |
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| Regions | Rajasthan Uttar Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Punjab Delhi Maharashtra Gujarat |
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| Time Periods | Mughal Period Rajput Period Gupta Period Medieval Period |
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| Dynasties | Mughal Dynasty Rajput Dynasties Yadava Dynasty Solanki Dynasty |
| Sources | Karauli quarries (Rajasthan) Dholpur quarries (Rajasthan) Fathepur Sikri quarries Agra quarries Jodhpur region quarries Rajasthan Sandstone Quarries Agra Sandstone Deposits Local Maharashtra quarries Nearby quarries in Gujarat |
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| Properties | Compressive strength: 20-80 MPa Density: 2.2-2.8 g/cm³ Porosity: 3-20% Thermal expansion coefficient: 10-12 x 10⁻⁶/°C Mineral Composition: Quartz, Feldspar, Iron Oxides Water absorption: 2-7% Grain size: 0.1-2 mm Iron oxide content: 2-5% |
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| Uses | Facing stones Load-bearing walls Arches Jalis (screens) Paving Decorative carvings Decorative facades Cladding Jharokha (enclosed balcony) construction Pillars Wall facing Decorative elements |
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| Materials | चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust) कंकड़ - Kankar (Lime Nodules) लोहा - Lohā (Iron) ईंट - Īnt (Brick) |
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| Styles | Mughal architecture style Indo-Islamic architecture style Rajput architecture style Hemadpanti architecture Māru-Gurjara architecture |
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| Categories | Fort Palace Tomb Mosque Temple Mausoleum Gateways Tombs |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Geology of Rajasthan | Geological Survey | Sandstone formations |
| Building Stones of India | Book | Geological survey report |
| ASI Technical Bulletin | Technical Report | Material analysis of red sandstone in Mughal monuments |
| Geological Survey of India Reports | Geological Survey | Sandstone analysis |
| Building Stones of India | Book | Sandstone properties and uses |
| ASI Technical Bulletin | Technical Report | Sandstone conservation |
| Geology of Rajasthan | Book | Sandstone formations |
| GSI Reports | Geological Survey | Sandstone characterization |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birla Mandir Hyderabad | Primary | 100% | |
| Dagdusheth Ganpati Temple Pune | Primary | 100% | |
| Grishneshwar Temple Verul | Primary | 100% | |
| Somnath Temple Veraval | Primary | 100% | |
| Bidar Fort Bidar | Secondary | 100% | |
| City Palace Jaipur | Secondary | 100% |