India: A proud owner of myriad sandstone reserves
Posted on Nov 6, 2013
India is truly blessed with ample of resources related to natural stones. We all know that Sandstone is one among popular types of natural stones. It is basically a type of rock that is created through union of quartz grains and sand. In recent past years, its demand has increased with leaps and bounds. It is available in various appealing colors. It is preferred not only in India but different parts of the world for wide range of purposes and applications. It is extensively used in religious structures that include temples, monuments, etc. Demand of Indian Sandstone is increasing with rapid pace in international market.
If we talk about present scenario, India exports various kinds of Sandstone related products to numerous countries that include UK, Australia, USA, Middle East Countries, New Zealand, etc. Variety of Indian Sandstone proves to be apt for range of applications that include roofing, paving, flooring, paneling, pillars, doors and window sills, beams, carving screens, construction related purposes, carving stone artifacts, etc. This stone possess numerous impressive qualities that include durability, strength, appealing texture, etc. Moreover, it gains upper hand over other stones due to possessing resistance against abrasion, weathering, acid and alkali.
Prominent State wise Sandstone Reserves in India
Rajasthan State: If it is about Sandstone reserves in India, Rajasthan state is the frontrunner. You may be surprised to know that round about 90% share of Sandstone deposit is being found in this state. In past decade, Rajasthan has showed tremendous growth in terms of quarrying, processing and marketing of Sandstone. Especially, prospects of sandstone quarrying are brighter in southern and northern Rajasthan that covers districts like Bharatpur, Sawai Madhopur, Kota, Bundi, Dholpur, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, etc. However, few districts of western Rajasthan that includes Churu, Jaiselmer, Nagaur, Bikaner, etc, also contain sandstone reserves. Entire state has been divided into different clusters. Interestingly, sandstone produced by each cluster possesses distinguished properties. Prominent clusters include Jhalawar-Kota cluster, Chittorgarh- Bundi-Bhilwara cluster, Sawai Madhopur-Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur cluster, Nagaur-Jodhpur cluster, Jaiselmer cluster. Sand reserves possessed by this princely state cater to the requirements of processed stones to be used for tombs and monuments, blocks for building and monumental purposes, artifacts and sculptures, structural slabs, cobbles, Kerbs, cubes, landscape garden stone, calibrated modular tiles, stone handicraft sector, etc.
Madhya Pradesh: This state is famous for few specific varieties of Sandstone that includes Sagar Black, Fossil and Gwalior Mint Sandstone. Sagar Black variety is rare to find outside of India. Few distinctive chemical and physical properties make it ideal for all kinds of construction related purposes. It is considered as an apt choice for purposes like handicraft, garden furniture, flooring, cladding, etc. Fossil stone contains fossil shapes and that add unique appeal to its appearance. As far as Gwalior Mint Sandstone is concerned, it is considered ideal for wall cladding, flooring, carving stone handicrafts, etc.
Uttar Pradesh: This state proudly owns reserves of a distinctive type of stone called Lalitpur yellow. Due to being equipped with distinctive thermal and acid properties, it is preferred for the purpose of exterior cladding of sea-shore buildings.