| Title | पीत बलुआ पत्थर (Yellow Sandstone)Rare Pīt Baluā Patthar Yellow Sandstone |
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| Description | पीला बलुआ पत्थर (Pīlā Baluā Patthar), also known as पीत शिला (Pīta Shila) or स्वर्ण शिला (Swarna Shila) in Sanskrit, is a sedimentary arenite [1] widely utilized in Indic architecture, particularly in Rajasthan. Its geological origin lies in the deposition and cementation of sand grains (0.0625 to 2 mm), primarily quartz and feldspar, with iron oxide imparting the characteristic yellow hue. Compressive strength ranges from 30-60 MPa, porosity from 10-25%, and density from 2.2-2.6 g/cm³ [2]. The thermal expansion coefficient is approximately 12 x 10⁻⁶ /°C. Extensively employed during the Rajput and Mughal periods, it features prominently in Jharokhas, Chhatris, and Jalis. Traditional quarries provided the raw material. Conservation efforts address weathering and erosion, requiring careful selection of compatible repair materials. Traditional construction methods involved skilled artisans shaping the stone for load-bearing walls and intricate carvings [3]. Durability is influenced by porosity and environmental factors. Understanding its material properties is crucial for preserving heritage sites built with this पाषाण (Pāṣāṇa - stone). |
| Also Known As | Yellow Sandstone Pīt Baluā Patthar Yellow Sandstone Sandstone Building Stone पीला बलुआ पत्थर पीत शिला पीत पाषाण स्वर्ण शिला स्वर्ण पाषाण மஞ்சள் மணற்கல் (Mañcaḷ maṇaṟkal) పసుపు ఇసుకరాయి (Pasupu isukarāyi) ಹಳದಿ ಮರಳುಗಲ್ಲು (Haḷadi maraḷugallu) |
| Tags | पीला बलुआ पत्थर Pīlā Baluā Patthar Yellow Sandstone Sandstone Jaisalmer Rajasthan Quarry Fort Masonry Building Material |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-600189889-20-11-25-PE |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/yellow-sandstone |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/yellow-sandstone |
| Total Sites | 2 |
| Primary Sites | 2 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Sedimentary Rock Arenite Construction Stone |
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| Regions | Rajasthan |
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| Time Periods | Medieval Period Rajput Period Mughal Period |
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| Dynasties | Rajput Dynasty Mughal Dynasty |
| Sources | Jaisalmer quarries Bharatpur quarries Local sandstone quarries in Rajasthan |
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| Properties | Compressive strength: 30-60 MPa Porosity: 10-25% Density: 2.2-2.6 g/cm³ Thermal expansion coefficient: 12 x 10⁻⁶ /°C Grain size: 0.0625 to 2 mm |
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| Uses | Load-bearing walls Decorative carvings Jharokhas (enclosed balconies) Chhatris (elevated dome-shaped pavilions) Jalis (screens) Paving Exterior cladding |
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| Materials | चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust) |
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| Styles | Rajput architecture Indo-Islamic architecture |
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| Categories | Havelis Forts Palaces Fort Palace |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Geological Survey of India Reports | Geological Survey | Sandstone characterization |
| Geological Survey of India Reports | Geological Survey | Sandstone characterization |
| ASI Technical Bulletin | Technical Report | Material analysis of Jaisalmer sandstone |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaisalmer Fort Jaisalmer | Primary | 100% | |
| Nathmal Ki Haveli Jaisalmer | Primary | 100% |