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Selection Criteria for Decorative Dimension Stones

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www.cafetinnova.org April 2014, P.P.408-414
ISSN 0974-5904, Volume 07, No. 02

Selection Criteria for Decorative Dimension Stones

B.R.MANJUNATHA1, D. VENKAT REDDY2, K.N.K RISHNAKUMAR3, K.B ALAKRISHNA4 , H.V.
MANJUNATHA1 AND G.P.GURUMURTHY 4
1
Department of Marine Geology, Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri-574 199, India:
2
Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, Srinivasnagar-575025,
Mangalore -D.K, India,
3
Department of Geology, University of Kerala, Kariavattom Campus, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581, India,
4
Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, India.
Email: omsrbmanju@yahoo.com, dvr1952@gmail.com, knkrishnakumar2005@gmail.com,
k.balakrishna@manipal.edu, manju_hv@mrplindia.com, gurumurthy.gp@manipal.edu

Abstract: Selection of decorative dimension stones suitable for exterior and interior decorations is one of the
challenging tasks for geologists, architectural, structural and civil engineers. Therefore, understanding the
knowledge of general properties of commercial grade rocks and their quality assessment are at most important
before selecting stones for construction. In many instances, decorative dimension stones are usually preferred on the
basis proximity. In such cases, the colour and textural characteristics may not only be suitable, but also weather out
faster. In some instances, specific design may not suits the structure due to masking colour and other inherent
defects. One of the secrets behind the success of commercial stone industry is the production of defect-free
decorative dimension stone blocks. Generally, not all rocks available in the earth’s crust are suitable for architectural
and civil engineering construction purposes. In this study, the main criteria for the selection of commercial grade
decorative dimension rocks will be discussed along with their trade names. Sometimes, trade names of rocks
confuse with generic names. Here, therefore, both names of rocks, particularly marketed in India are given to avoid
confusion among geologists, engineers and business persons. In addition, non-destructive methods of testing the
mechanical properties of rocks - such as ultrasonic pulse velocity and uniaxial compressive strength are discussed.
These methods seem to substitute the conventional, hazardous and destructive method of testing of decorative
dimension stones.
Key words: Commercial rock deposits, decorative dimension stones, granites, generic and business/trade names,
rock criteria, India.

1. Introduction: India originated in 1980s and became prominent in

By virtue of living on the earth, we have to depend upon
materials available in the earth itself. In this sense, rocks
that are available in abundance in the earth serve as the
fundamental material for the construction of various
structures. For the establishment of major engineering
structures, rocks are chosen not only as basic raw
materials starting from foundation stone, rock aggregate
and concrete mix, but also tiles, panels and other fancy
items for decoration, ornamental, dimensional purposes,
etc. Credit must go to geologists who first polished the
rock to identify minerals present in the rock and their
properties under the microscope. Another unique
property of the rock is that the colour will not fade out
soon as compared to the paint, hence the buildings
decorated with stones look new. After knowing the
beauty of the polished rock, their texture, attractive
colours and durability, granite industry, especially in
recent years.
India has more than half of about 300 known varieties
of ornamental/ commercial rocks of the world (Venkat
Reddy 1994). The commercial grades of the granites of
India are in great demand not only in India, but also
abroad because of variety of colours and high hardness,
but also due to their freshness for taking fine polish
(Venkat Reddy1994). Since then granites are being
exported to many countries. Dimensional blocks are
usually selected on the basis of proximity, workability,
durability colour stability, grain size and texture.
However, rock engineering properties should also be
considered while selecting materials for large-scale
structures such as seawall, road and railway aggregates,
and concrete aggregates. Though there are a few
specific studies (Jamwal and Viswanatham 1990;
Eltringham and Sriram 1992; Venkat Reddy1994, 2008;
Venkat Reddy et al. 2005), carried out on decorative

#02070207 Copyright ©2014 CAFET-INNOVA TECHNICAL SOCIETY. All rights reserved.

 409 K. B.R.M ANJUNATHA, D. VENKAT REDDY, K.N.KRISHNAKUMAR , K.B ALAKRISHNA,
H.V. M ANJUNATHA AND G.P.GURUMURTHY
and dimensional stones of India, the general scenario is
missing. Here, we discuss the criteria for selection of
stones for building as well as ornamental purposes.
Another objective of this study was to provide an over
view of decorative and dimensional stones of India. For
this purpose, rocks of India are briefly discussed and
their trade names are given.
2. Criteria for the selection of commercial grade of
rocks:
Generally, the engineers look for the quarry near the
proximity of structure to be constructed. Even if a
quality rock deposit is not available, the contractor tries
to supply stone products, for e.g., rock aggregate from
nearby sites by choosing low-engineering-grade rocks.
Therefore, the quarry site has to be studied for
engineering and rock mechanical properties before
selecting for the construction. Similarly, texture,
structure, durability including economics should be
worked out before choosing the site. This is particularly
needed for large-scale quarrying operations for
commercial grade rocks. The success of any commercial
stone industry primarily depends upon the production of
defect free rock/stone blocks. Natural defects in rocks
can limit the selection of decorative and dimensional
stones. The stone industry must explain to buyers about
the knowledge of stones prior to selling it. This can be
classified as quality, colour variation, durability,
hardness, absorption, crustal warping, filling, cracks,
spills, spots, veining characteristics, etc. Other factors
to be explained are how best to maintain a rock looking
fresh and where to install the rock blocks/slabs.
Sometimes, the stone may have cracks because of
inherent defects.
Various criteria for the selection of
ornamental/dimensional blocks are discussed under the
following categories: availability, workability,
durability, colour stability, grain size and texture, and
rock engineering specifications.
2.1. Availability:
Not all rocks available in the earth’s crust deposits are
suitable for architectural and civil engineering works.
Decorative/dimensional/ ornamental stones which are
selected for various civil engineering and architectural
purposes must be available in abundance preferably
near the area of construction. India, perhaps the unique
country which is endowed not only with abundant
commercial grade rock deposits, but also large varieties.
The Precambrian shield area of Southern India is
comprises of varieties of igneous and metamorphic
rocks bordered with linear belts of sedimentary rocks
(Radhakrishna et al. 2007). India has about 150
varieties of commercial grade rocks which shares about
half of the varieties in the world (Venkat Reddy 1994).
International Journal of Earth Sciences and Engineering
ISSN 0974-5904, Vol. 07, No. 02, April, 2014, pp. 408-414
This will be discussed in detail in the section stones of
India.
2.2. Workability:
Rock blocks utilized for civil engineering foundations,
onshore and offshore structures should be available in
the required dimensions. Rock blocks are quarried for
required dimensions as per requirements, while, stones
which are generally used in the form of slabs, shelves,
tiles for flooring and some time for wall mounting.
Igneous dyke rocks, Sedimentary rocks and low-grade
metamorphic rocks such as sand stones, limestones,
shales, slates, phyllites, etc., which are usually used as
building stones. Almost all quarry sites are located at
the surface rock out crops. Workability of rock deposits
depends upon the nature of rock mass. In geological
setting, rock deposits possess discontinuities such as
bedding planes, fissility, bedding thrusts, joints impact,
joint pattern, fracture planes, faults, unconformities, etc.
A detailed field investigation is necessary to assess
quality of rock to be quarried.
2.3. Durability:
Durability is essentially the sustainability of the rock
block for a long time. Sometimes, the rock blocks are
used as pillars for construction of temples and other
monuments. Durability of the rock block is governed by
various factors such rock ageing, weathering,
compatibility and thermal susceptability. Therefore, a
detailed inspection of rocks has to be carried out before
quarrying of commercial rocks.
2.4. Colour stability:
Colour of stones or rocks is due to the colours
contrasting essential minerals or predominance minerals
present in a rock. Colour is the most important factor,
particularly for marketing granite as it varies from pink
to flesh red, grey, green, black, etc. (Viswanatham et al.
1992; Parameswariah1996). The jet black coloured
granite with brownish tinge is widely preferred for name
plates, platform and wall mounting. The beauty of
ornamental/ decorative stone depends upon the colour
index. Generally the pleasing colours of
ornamental/commercial stones will be immediately
purchased by the contractors. Attractive colours of
rocks, therefore, boon to stone trade industry. In
commercial rock industries, most of Indian stones are
traded on the basis of colour variations, such as royal
pearl, Kashmir white, Tippu white, black galaxy,
midnight blue, etc. However, colour irregularities in
rock, sometimes, could be a limiting factor especially
for marketing. For an instance, presence of dark colour
patches of amphibole minerals in coloured or multi-
coloured granite is usually considered as an inherent
defect.
 Selection Criteria for Decorative Dimension Stones
Similarly, white patches of quartz or dark coloured
nodules of ferromagnesian mineral grains in the form of
lenses, blebs, or whips in plain coloured rocks are
considered as natural defects (Reddy et al. 1992;
Vasudev et al., 1996). The Colour criteria for trading of
stones are also important. Some countries may not
prefer to import bright coloured rocks, however, such
types may be preferred by other countries. In Europe
and United States, generally fast colour and its
combinations types are preferred, while in Japan, black
coloured stones are in great demand. Stone traders must
know this trade secretes to boost the export. In order to
choose a particular type of coloured stone, the stone
entrepreneur generally, requires 2 to 4 samples of each
stone, however, some times, they may demand for 20-
25 samples to assess the colour defects. In many
instances, the selection of a stone by the stone business
personnel is based on the actual colour of that sample.
Sometimes, buyers may initially select the stones based
on colour of the sample photographed, however, may
reject while carefully evaluating the quality of rock
blocks. Therefore, stone experts/traders must be careful
and provide the maximum realistic properties of
stones/rock blocks to avoid this conflict.
2.5. Grain size, textures and structures:
The term texture of the rock here refers to the
characteristic feature of the grain and matrix or
“cementing material”. Texture is deterred by the size
and shape of grains, their arrangement and inter and
intra granular boundary characteristics. More than any
other factor, the texture or fabric determines the
intrinsic mechanical or physical properties of the stone.
For instance, interlocking grains, strong matrix
(cement), dense packing of grains generally suggest the
strength and durability of the stone. Generally stones
selected for various purposes on the basis of texture and
colour combinations. Sometimes, uniform coloured rock
is preferred for the construction of the massive
structures, whereas catchy colours and textural
combinations of stones will be used for commercial
buildings. Structures of the rock are also important
criteria for obtaining the commercial grade blocks
which can be classified as favourable, unfavourable and
disastrous types (Kanishkan and Kanadadasan, 1995;
Kanishkan, 2004). The favourable structures in the rock
are sheet joints vertical joints, steep dipping foliation
planes, migmatic structures etc., which are particularly
useful for excavating blocks of the desired dimension
with little efforts of man and machine powers. Whereas,
unfavourable geological structures, such as close-spaced
vertical/oblique joints, minor faults, slickensides, hair
line fractures, low dipping foliation planes etc., though
not favourable to get preferred size blocks, nevertheless,
such structures in rare and attractive qualities of granite
such as Kunnam black granite, depositvand black
International Journal of Earth Sciences and Engineering
ISSN 0974-5904, Vol. 07, No. 02, April, 2014, pp. 408-414
410
galaxy rocks deposit of Ongole, Andhra Pradesh are in
great demand. In contrast to these two types, the
destructive geological structures such as the lineament
zone, major shear zone, suture zone, active fault zone
etc., in rock outcrops are totally dangerous.
2.6. Rock Engineering specifications for specific
architectural/engineering design:
In addition to the above mentioned criteria, rock
mechanical/engineering properties of rocks are equally
important for selecting blocks and stones for the
construction and exterior and interior decoration. The
study of rock mechanics has attained considerable
importance in recent years because of their wide
applications in civil, mining and various engineering
works. Recently, there is a great demand for rock
aggregates in developing countries such as India and
China. Rock aggregates serve as important raw material
for most of civil engineering works. They can be readily
used in cement mixed concrete, asphalt, lime and mortar
etc. Considerable efforts are being made on this aspect
to increase the strength of the concrete equivalent to the
steel in advanced countries such as Japan, China, Korea
and Taiwan. In India, there is a great demand for rock
aggregates because large-scale constructions of
engineering structures, such as hydroelectricity power
plants, dams, irrigation canals, structures mitigating
floods, highways in mountainous regions, tunnels for
road and railways, mining, purposes, etc., are being
undertaken to enhance the infrastructural facility. Rocks
which are utilized for civil/architectural, foundation,
coastal protection, road, rail road ballasts and
aggregates must bear minimum requirements
(Manjunatha et al. 1996). Two types of granites can be
distinguished according to an engineering structural
classification that is compressive rock strength: (i)
engineering grade and (ii) architectural grade. The
former should have a minimum compressive strength of
1700-2000 kg/cm2 which are suitable for construction
of structures like bridges, backwaters, flood
controlling/diverting structures, etc., whereas the latter
types must posses a minimum compressive strength of
1200-1750 kg/cm2 which can be used for construction
of commercial and residential structures.
Testing of rock mechanical properties can sometimes be
difficult due to expensive maintenance of the laboratory
and safety. To avoid this problem, nondestructive
method such ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and
uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) have been
developed (Chary et al. 2006). The inferences drawn
from UPV and UCS testing of rocks, for e.g.,
sandstones are similar to those concluded from
mechanical properties such as hardness, brittleness,
fracture, toughness and ability to drilling of rocks
(Chary et al. 2006).
 411 K. B.R.M ANJUNATHA, D. VENKAT REDDY, K.N.KRISHNAKUMAR , K.B ALAKRISHNA,
H.V. M ANJUNATHA AND G.P.GURUMURTHY

3. Stones of India: detailed information about the dimension of dyke rock

and depth of overburden. The world's popular granites
The major part of Indian sub-continent, in particular,
can be grouped into four categories: (i) absolute black
South India comprises of crystalline igneous and
granite to Deer Isle granites, (ii) eagle red granite to lilla
metamorphic rocks formed during the Precambrian
gerais granite, madura gold (iii) Swedish mahogany
times, while, Proterozoic/ Phanerozoic sedimentaries
ganite, and (vi) tan brown granite to Zimbabwe black
deposited along the coasts as well as along certain
granite (http://www.natural-stone-interiors.com/tan-
regions of the low-lying plateaus of the mainland
brown-granite-to-zimbabwe-blackgranite.html; 2005).
(Radhakrishna et al. 2007; Fig.1). The gneisses and
In order to avoid the misunderstanding of generic names
khondalites/ leptinites are two major basement rocks of
with varieties of trade names, both are given in Table 1
the Peninsular India which are separated by an
along with colour of rocks and state. This Table
orthopyroxene is ograde around 11o N and 13o N
particularly helps to convert trade name to generic name
latitude (Radhakrishna et al. 2007). Granites and
and vice versa. In the absolute black granite to deer isle
granitic gneiss are more abundant in the north of this
type, gabbro and norite types of basic igneous rocks
isograde while, granulite grade metamorphic rocks, such
have been included, whereas, granites and genisses are
as, charnockites, khondalites and leptinites are
most dominant types which are common in other three
predominant in the south of this horizon. Mafic rocks
categories of rocks. Dolerites and migmatites are
such as dolerite and gabbro which have been found to
categorized under eagle red granite to lilla gerais
occur as dykes which have been intruded into
granite.
Precambrian rocks. Dyke rocks often profusely intruded
at a number of places in the Southern India terrain 4. Conclusions:
which are commonly known as dyke swarms
Geologic and rock quality criteria of stones for exterior
(Radhakrishna et al. 2007).
and interior decoration and rock mechanical properties
India has vast resource of granites and associated rocks. have been discussed in this study to provide basic
The polyphase gneissic-granulitic complex of the information for not only to geologists, but also
peninsular India is shown in Fig. 1 is the best evidence engineers and business personnel. Among different
for this. The granitic batholiths which are rich in potash tasks, the selection of suitable stones for exterior and
feldspar, porphyritic texture with pink and grey colours interior decoration is the most challenging job for the
have been intruded at a number of places, such as, architectural/structural/civil engineer. Geological and
Closepet, Bellary, Hampi, Hyderabad, Warangal rock mechanical criteria are important in terms of
(Chatterjee et al. 2005) Karminagar, Khammam, properties such as upholding the pressure of the
Lepakshi, Kadri, Perur, Jabalpur, Bundhelkhand, overburden or weight of overlying rocks, while colour,
Dongarh, Singhbhum etc. These granites not only take texture and inclusions of the rock project the beauty of
fine polish, but also generally posses the rock the engineering structure.
mechanical properties required for civil engineering
Indian sub-continent is blessed with extensive igneous
works (Chatterjee et al. 2005). Dolerites, gabbroic rocks
and metamorphic rocks barring minor proportion of
are the major dyke rock deposits in the Peninsular India.
sedimentaries bordering these ones. These rocks are in
Though the dimensions of dyke rock deposits are
demand because of attractive colours and take fine
considerably smaller than granitic plutons/batholiths,
polish. These rocks account about half of the widely
however, such rocks are in great demand because of
preferred granites in the world. Generic names and trade
their black colour and texture. Dykes vary in size from
names of rocks of India are resolved to avoid the
few meters to several meters width, while length ranges
confusion among geologists, engineers and sales
from few metres to few kilometres. Dykes are mainly
personnel. Therefore, there is a need to study rocks of
grouped into simple, multiple composite, and swarm
different regions to identify new quarries to enhance the
and differentiated categories. Swarm dykes are those
trade.
where dykes aligned parallel with each other.
Nevertheless, if dykes are abundant, then the term 5. Acknowledgements:
swarm dyke may be given. Swarm dykes are common in
We are indebted to Björn Schouenborg, Brian Hawkins
India, especially in the Peninsular India where they are
and an anonymous reviewer for the suggestion,
intensively intruded into the Precambrian rocks trending
improvement and encouragement to publish the earlier
different directions (Fig. 1; Jamwal and Viswanatham
version of this paper.
1990; Radhakrishna et al. 2007). For quarrying dykes,
the rock must be relatively free from fractures/joist and 6. Reference:
other weak inherent defects. Remote sensing techniques
[1] Chary KB, Sarma LP, Prasanna Lakshmi, KJ,
would help us to determine the aerial extension of dykes
Vijayakumar NA, Naga Lakshmi V, Rao MVMS
in the filed, while geophysical survey would provide the

International Journal of Earth Sciences and Engineering

ISSN 0974-5904, Vol. 07, No. 02, April, 2014, pp. 408-414
 Selection Criteria for Decorative Dimension Stones
412

(2006) Evaluation of engineering properties of rock [9] Radhakrishna T, Krishnendu NR, Balasubramonian
using ultrasonic pulse velocity and uniaxial G (2007). Mafic dyke magmatism around the
compressive strength Proceedings of National Cuddapah Basin: age constraints, petrological
Seminar on Non-Destructive Evaluation, characteristics and geochemical inference for a
Hyderabad India: 379-385. possible magma chamber on the southwestern
[2] Chatterjee TK, Chatterjee R, Singh SK (2005) margin of the basin. J Geol Soc India 70: 194-206.
Classification of black decorative stones from [10] Reddy BBK, Reddy KN, Krishna T (1992)
Warangal District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Bull Eng Dimensional stone: defects and quality assessment.
Geol Environ 64: 167-173. Indian Min Eng J 2:170–173.
[3] Eltringham RW, Sriram P (1992) Planning of [11] Vasudev V N, Venkatesh Venkataramaiah P (1996)
modern dimensional stone quarries. Indian Min Eng A criteria for assessment of granite deposit for
J 2:174–177. marketable quality dimension stones. In: Rao KS
[4] Jamwal CS, Viswanatham K (1990) Geology of the (ed) National Conference on Granite Mining,
peninsular gneissic complex and dyke swarms in Department of Mining Engineering. KREC
parts of Warangal and Khammam dist., A.P. Indian (presently NITK) Surathkal, India 122-130.
Min Eng J 2: 39–41. [12] Venkat Reddy D (2008) Engineering Geology,
[5] Kanishkam B (2004) Geological structures and Vikaspublishers, India.
their significance on Granite quarrying. J [13] Venkat Reddy D, Vijayakumar J, Venugopal Reddy
Mineralogical Soc India 38: 46-52. D (2005) Geological aspects in economic
[6] Kanishkan B Kanadadasan (1995) Geological and exploitation of Indian commercial rock deposits:
mining aspects of Kunnam granite deposits, Tamil insight into influence of structural discontinuities. J
Nadu In Proc Nat Sym Commercial Granites Geol Indian Academy of Geosciences 48: 61-66.
SurvIndia Dept Mines & Geol Anna University: [14] Venkat Reddy D (1994) Natural defects in
149-153. decorative and dimensional stones –A critical
[7] Manjunatha BR, Harry NA, Shankar R, Venkat study. In: Olivera R, Rodrigues LF, Coelho AG,
Reddy D, Rao KS, Mithanthaya R, (1996) Geology Cunha AP (eds) Proceedings of the International
and granites of Dakshina Kannada. In: Rao KS (ed) Association of Engineering Geology Balkema Publ
Proceedings National Conference on Granite 3619-3625.
Mining, Karnataka Regional Engineering College [15] Venkat Reddy. D (2010) Engineering Geology.
(KREC), Suratkal, India, pp. 12-16. Vikas publishers, India.
[8] Parameswariah KS (1996) Field observation [16] Viswanatham K, Murti KS, Jamwal CS (1992)
required to locate the granite deposits. In: National Occurrences of black granites in parts of Warangal
Seminar on Geology and Mining of Ornamental and Khammam dist. A.P. Indian Min Eng J 2:20–
Building Stones AIGSA, Bangalore India I-XII. 25.
Table1: Generic and trade names of popular decorative dimension stones of India along with geologic age and
state/province.
Absolute Black Granite to Deer Isle Granite
Generic name Colour (s) Geologic age State Trade name of rocks
Gabbro group Archean -
black Andhra Pradesh absolute black
(dolerite) Proterozoic
Gabbro group black with brown probably
Andhra Pradesh black galaxy
(norite) spots Proterozoic
Probably gabbro probably
black, dark gray Andhra Pradesh black pearl
group Proterozoic
beibe, pink, redish,
Probably granite Proterozoic Rajasthan copper silk
green, black
Eagle red granite to lilla gerais granite
probably
Granite green, rose, dark gray Andhra Pradesh forest green
Proterozoic
Proterozoic
Gneiss group ivory and beige bands Tamil Nadu ghibli
metamorphism
Gneiss group green, rose, dark gray probably Archean Andhra Pradesh green rose
Dolerite (gabbro to
black, light green Archean Karnataka Hassan green
diorite composition)

International Journal of Earth Sciences and Engineering

ISSN 0974-5904, Vol. 07, No. 02, April, 2014, pp. 408-414
413 K. B.R.M ANJUNATHA, D. VENKAT REDDY, K.N.KRISHNAKUMAR , K.B ALAKRISHNA,
H.V. M ANJUNATHA AND G.P.GURUMURTHY

Gneiss group red with dark gray-

Archean Karnataka Himalayan blue
(migmatite) bluish waves
Gneiss group white, gray (bands) maybe Archaen Tamil Nadu imperial white
Archean -
Granite group red, dark gray Uttar Pradesh Jjhansi red
Proterozoic
Gneiss group rose- yellowish, light Proterozoic
Tamil Nadu Juparana Colombo
(migmatite) gray with gray waves metamorphism
rose- yellowish, light
Gneiss group -
gray with dark gray Archean Karnataka Juparana India
migmatite
waves
white (to ivory or
Gneiss group Proterozoic
greenish) with gray Tamil Nadu Kashmir white
(granulite) metamorphism
and brown spots
ivory- gold with
Gneiss group Proterozoic
brown points and gold Tamil Nadu Kashmir gold
(granulite) metamorphism
streaks
Gneiss group - light gray with gray-
maybe Archaen Andhra Pradesh Kuppam green
probably migmatite green waves
Migmatite light gray-blue with
Proterozoic
(charnockite dark gray waves and Orissa lavender blue
metamorphism
composition) red spots
Madura gold to Swedish mahogany granite
ivory with gold and Proterozoic
Gneiss group Tamil Nadu Madura gold
gray waves and spots metamorphism
Granite gold, dark gray Proterozoic Rajasthan merry gold
probably
Probably granite gray- green, dark gray Rajasthan Mokalsar green
Proterozoic
Gneiss group red, light gray with
Archean Karnataka multicolor red
(migmatite) dark gray waves
Granite red, dark gray, rose Archean Karnataka new imperial red
Migmatite light gray- blue with
Proterozoic
(charnockite dark- gray waves and Orissa Orissa blue
metamorphism
composition) red spots
rose- yellowish, light
Gneiss group -
gray with dark gray Archean Tamil Nadu paradiso bash
migmatite
waves
Gneiss group rose- violet, light gray
Archean Tamil Nadu paradiso classico
(migmatite) with black waves
Granite gold, dark gray Proterozoic Rajasthan raniwara
pink, (ivory) and gray Proterozoic
Gneiss group Tamil Nadu raw silk
bands metamorphism
Granite pink, gray, greenish Proterozoic Rajasthan rosy pink
Granite red, dark gray Archean Karnataka ruby red
light brown, dark
Porphyritic granite probably Archean Andhra Pradesh sapphire brown
gray, blue- gray
Gneiss group
(probably green, black, Archean -
Orissa seaweed green
charnockite brownish Proterozoic
composition)
gneiss group ivory, light gray with Proterozoic
Tamil Nadu Shivakashi yellow
(migmatite) brown spots metamorphism
Andhra Pradesh silver pearl
Maybe syenite group probably
gray, dark gray
or charnockite Proterozoic
Maybe granodiorite
light gray, dark gray maybe Archaen Karnataka Sira grey
or monzonite
Tan brown granite to Zimbabwe black granite

International Journal of Earth Sciences and Engineering

ISSN 0974-5904, Vol. 07, No. 02, April, 2014, pp. 408-414
 Selection Criteria for Decorative Dimension Stones
414

Porphyric oriented
granite (maybe brown- red, dark gray probably Archean Andhra Pradesh tan brown
orthogenesis)
rose, light gray with Proterozoic
Gneiss group Tamil Nadu tiger skin
gray streaks metamorphism
Gneiss group green with green- Proterozoic
Kerala tropical green
(probably granulite) black and red spots metamorphism
Gneiss group white with dark gray Archean -
Andhra Pradesh viscon white
(probably migmatite) waves Proterozoic
Migmatite gray- blue with dark
Proterozoic
(charnockite gray waves and red Andhra Pradesh vizag blue
metamorphism
composition) spots
Gneiss group (maybe beige-ivory, gold Archean - Probably Tamil
vyara
migmatite) bands Proterozoic Nadu
Gneiss group white, gray with red Proterozoic
Andhra Pradesh white galaxy
(granulite) spots metamorphism

Hyderabad Khammam

Nalgorda

Mehbubnagar Wanparti
Vijaywada
16o
Ananthpur
Gooty

Bay of Bengal
Karwar

14o
Chitradurga

Tirupati
Udupi Kolar
Kunigal
Chennai
Mangalore Bengaluru
Hassan
12o

Arabian Sea
Coimbatore

Coastal sedimentaries 78o 82o

Dyke Deccan basalts/volcanics
Gondwana sediments
Palaeoproterozoic Neoproterozoic
Granites sedimentary rocks
sedimentary rocks
Granitoids/khondalite/ Charnockite/granulite Greenstone belts
leptinite

Figure 1. Geological map of Southern India showing important rock types (after Radhakrishna et al., 2007).

International Journal of Earth Sciences and Engineering

ISSN 0974-5904, Vol. 07, No. 02, April, 2014, pp. 408-414

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