BLACK GRANITE RESOURCES OF RAJASTHAN AND THEIR

FUTURE PROSPECTS
Dr. M. K. Pandya
Ex-Professor of Geology, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur and
Emeritus Fellow, (AICTE), New Delhi
Dr. T. K. Pandya
Associate Professor of Geology, MLS University, Udaipur
T. S. Ranawa
Senior Geologist, Department of Mines and Geology, Govt. of Rajasthan,
Udaipur.

INTRODUCTION
Black granites are categorised as a major exportable commodity amongst the
dimension stones in India. India possess11, 114 thousand cubic metres of proved
recoverable reserves of black granites. Their probable and possible reserves are
203,057 and 29,370 thousand cubic metres respectively (Brahmanandan and Iyer,
2002). The Rajasthan's share of all categories of total recoverable probable and
possible reserves being 4 and 201, 692 thousand cubic metres only. Out of above the
reserve estimates of black granites of Rajasthan are only 80.00 million cubic metres
( G.S.I.; 1996-1997) compared to 1385.00 million cubic metres of multicoloured
granites.
Recent estimates by Brahmanandan and Iyer (2002) the Rajasthan's share in the total
production of all categories of Indian granites of 14,55,013 tonnes is only 3%,
indicating that there is a vast scope for enhancing the production of black granites in
Rajasthan for indigenous as well as overseas consumption. In this context it may be
mentioned that very little attention has been paid in the development of black granites
in Rajasthan although they occur in abundunt quantities in almost all the geological
horizons between Precambrians to Cretaceous ages. Author's recent field work in
different districts of Rajasthan indicate that there is an immense scope for the
production of black granites in Rajasthan if a systematic evaluation of such granites is
carried out from commercial point of view including the reserve estimates. There is a
great need to take up a comparative study of black granites of Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Orissa with Rajasthan counter parts delineating the
different varieties according to dyke wise reserve estimates along with their physical,
petrographic, physicomechanical and chemical properties.
Popular black granites of exportable value produced in India are, Joypur Black,
Keonjhar Black (Orissa); Kunnam Black (Tamil Nadu); Black granites of Uttar
Pradesh and West Bengal; Black Jet of Assam and Meghalaya; Black Galaxy and Jet
Black varieties of Andhra Pradesh; Black granite, Black Cheetah and Black zebra
(Bihar); Ajapur Galaxy, Maharaj and Tiger Black of Gujarat.
Black Galaxy, Jet Black, Tiger Black and Black Granite (Karnataka) and Black
Granite of Madhya Pradesh.
The only known black granite of Rajasthan is sold under the trade name of Cobra
Black, although a large number of varieties are available.
Black granites, in general are least porous with least water absorption values. The true
apparent specific gravity is highest for these rocks compared to coloured granites.
Geological distribution of Black Granites in Rajasthan in given in Table No. 1, A
detailed description along with physical, petrographic, mineralogical and chemical
characteristic of Black Granites of Rajasthan is being presented in this paper.

Table No. 1
GEOLOGICAL DISTRIBUTION OF BLACK GRANITES IN RAJASTHAN
GEOLOGICAL AGE
DECCAN TRAPS
MIDDLE CRETACEOUS
POST – MALANI- SUITE
OF IGNEOUS ROCKS
POST DELHI
SUPERGROUP
DELHI SUPERGROUP
ARAVALLI SUPERGROUP
SANDMATA COMPLEX
ARCHAEAN (PRE-
ARAVALLIS) BHILWARA
SUPERGROUP
GEOLOGICAL UNIT
AND ROCKS
Basalts and Dolerites
Mafic Plutonic rocks of
Mundwara Igneous
Complex : Gabbros,
Dolerites, Basalts,
pyroxenties etc.
Gabbros and basaltic dykes
Dolerites and basalt dykes
Mafic rocks of phulad –
ophiolite suite – Meta –
Basalts, Gabbros and
Amphibolites.
Mandalgarh Dolerites
Meta – basalts
(Aravalli Basal Volcanics)
Charnockite Suite of rocks,
Gabbros, Norites, Hyperites,
Twopyroxene granulties and
Dolerites
Hindoli Dolerites
(dykes and Sills).
LOCALITIES
Banswara, Pratapgarh
Musala Mer and Toa hills,
Kui Chandrawati. Sirohi
District.
Jalore, Siwana, Barmer
region.
Telpur, Balda, Kapasia,
Sirohi District.
Phulad, Pisangan
- Ajmer to Deri – Ambaji
region
Mandalgarh
Delwara, Negria, Siri,
Parsola.
Bandanwara, Bhinai
Gyangarh, Phakolia, Nareli,
Sandmata, Sakrani, Malcot,
Ramgarh, Untabore,
Ishermand, Piploda. etc.
Gangrar, Anupura, Ameli,
Hindoli, Nikum Sompura,
Bari Sadri etc.

Dolerites and Amphibolites Number of localities.

 of Mangalwar Complex

Mafic dykes of amphibolites Jagat, Gingla (Udaipur

in Gingla and Jagat region. District)

I. OLDER MAFIC DYKES OF GINGLA – JAGAT REGION, UDAIPUR

DISTRICT

Mafic dykes composed of dark greenish black to black amphibolites occur

abundantly between the villages of Gingla and Jagat in Udaipur District. These dykes
form continuous low lying ridges intruding the granites and gneisses around
khermagra, Gingla, Jajat, Utharda, Thar, Naijhar and Semal. Dykes of similar –
character occur abundantly in the Banded – Gneissic Complex between Nathdwara
and Kankroli and in Amet region.

As the amphibolites of Jagat region have been considered derivative of basaltic

andesites with an affinity with modern volcanic arcs and because of their massive
occurrence, these rocks could be suitable for obtaining blocks of varying dimensions
for commercial purpose.

Mineralogically, these rocks are composed of hornblende, plagioclase, quartz, biotite,

augite pseudomorphs. Opaques and apatIte are accessory minerals. Sericite and
Kaolin are alteration products. These rocks show relict ophitic to granoblastic texture.

The black granites of Gingla – Jagat region have not yet been tried for commercial
exploitation and, therefore, need an attention.

II BLACK GRANITES OF UDAIPUR – CHITTAURGARH – BHILWARA

– BUNDI DISTRICTS:

Dolerite dykes of large dimensions occur in south of Gangrar, west of Puttoli, north of
Pandoli, south of Mandafia, east and north east of Shampura and SW of Nikum and in
east and SE of Barisadri villages towns. These rocks are called – Hindoli dolerites
(Gupta et al – 1997). These dykes are intrusive in Berach Granites and Gneisses,
Migmatites and Hindoli Group of rocks of the Bhilwara Supergroup. The dolerites
have also been encountered profusely in – Anupura area where they occur as sills.
The rocks appear as huge size boulders on the outcrops for sufficient extent.

Texturally the rocks are medium grained showing sub-ophitic texture to ophitic-
texture.

The Major mineral constituents of these rocks are augite, andesine, labradorite, biotite
and quartz. Magnetite and ilmenite form the opaques. Alteration products are chlorite,
epidote and sericite with leucoxene in some cases.
The dolerites are hard, compact and homogeneous in character 'They take excellent
polish and can yield slabs of different sizes for commercial purpose.

DOLERITE DYKES IN BANDED GNEISSIC COMPLEX (SANDMATA

COMPLEX) (UDAIPUR – RAJSAMAND – BHILWARA AND AJMER
DISTRICTS).

Dolerite dykes are of common occurrence throughout the Banded Gneissic Complex
of Rajasthan. The principal localities are in Herons (1953) Hammer Head Syncline
region in Rajsamand district around the villages of Bhana, Mandawara, SE of
Mandawara, west of Piparda; near Barain, Parara and Banrol.

In Bandanwara – Bhinai – Bijainagar – Ramgarh Nasirabad regions the dolerite dykes

and plugs are encountered at Gagal Ki Magri, S.W. of Chibra, SSE of Thana, Gajnadi,
Chakchundra, N. of Paranga, at Deoria, Sakrani, Sanodia, Piloda, Gujarwada,
Rampura, SE of Ratanpura, Ramgarh, Partabpura, Deomal, S.E. of Ladpura
Nandwara, Loharwara, S. of Sokaliya and in east of Miniyani Villages. Some of these
dykes are basaltic in composition.

Mineralogically the dykes contain either hypersthene or augite and diopside in some
cases, plagioclase, uralitized pyroxenes or hornblade. Subordinate minerals are quartz,
biotite and opaques (iron ore / ilmenite) with garnet in some cases. The olivine has not
been encountered in rocks of above localities.

The dolerites are hard, compact, deep black to blakishgray in colour with fine to
medium in grain size. Texturally, the rocks show ophitic to subophitic texture with
corona structure and intergrowth between hypersthene and diopside.

Geologically the dolerites are intrusive in migmatites, granites, amphibolites and

charnockite siute or rocks.

In view of above characteristics, these rocks are quite suitable for procuring blocks of
various sizes and for use as polished slabs and tiles. The mining has been done at
couple of localities and material has been sold as slabs and tiles.

BLACK GRANITES OF RAJSAMAND-BHILWARA-AJMER DISTRICTS

(CHARNOCKITE SUITE OF ROCKS)

Black granites represented by rocks belonging to Charnockite Suite of Rocks are

enderbites, quartz-hyperthene diorites, hypersthene diorites and basic charnockites.
These rocks were recorded for the first time by Rode, Pandya and Deshmukh (1969)
Outcrops of commercially exploitable rocks are located around Gyangarh, Phakolia,
Nareli, Ishermand, Malcot, Untabore, Tikhi, Sakrani, Bandanwara, Piploda, Dhani,
Ramgarh, Ladpura, Indarpura, Utmi, Daulatpura, Ramsar, Loharwara, Jaswantpura
and Bhatyani villages (Map-1). These rocks in general are exposed in the form of
dykes which sometimes run for several kilmetres in length with more than a km
width. Boulders yielding blocks up to 3mX2mX2m of different sizes are available in
plenty on the outcrops.
Geologically the Charnockite Suite of Rocks are intrusive in various rock.
Constituents of the Banded Gneissic complex, viz; schists, granulites, amphibolites
and older gneisses.

These black granites are deep black to bronze brown or olive brown in colour
showing homogenity of grain size. These rocks are medium to fine graind compact,
hard and unaltered. On the outcrops an exfoliation character is observed.

In Indian the charnockites were first discovered at St. Thomas Mountains, Chennai.
These rocks occur abundantly in the states of Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Kerala,
Andhrapradesh and Orissa.

Block mining with the production of blocks of different sizes is at present continued
at Malcot under a lease and around Gyangarh and Phakolia in an unauthorised way,
for the last several years.

Mineralogically, the major constituents of the rocks are hypersthene, microcline –

microperthite plagioclase, antiperthite, hornblende and quartz of opalescent nature or
smoky colour with subordinate quantities of biotite, diopside and garnet. The
principal accessory minerals are, apatite, rutile zircon and opaques.

Texturally, the rocks dominantly show xenomorphic granular to granoblastic texture.

Dioritic to subophitic texture has also been encountered. Myrmekitic and
micrographic intergrowth structures are common.

In view of uniformity of grain size and hard, compact, unfractured and unaltered
character, these rocks take excellent polish. As these black granites are flawles their
commercial mining on large scale is still awaited, authough, these rocks are mined
abundantly in other states of India. By differentiating the various commercially
known varieties, these black granites can be established as important internationally
known exportable dimension stones called BLACK PEARL (Basic charnockite),
OCEAN BLUE (Acid charnockite), SRIKAKULAM BLUE (Migmatized
Charnocckite) etc.

BLACK GRANITIES (GABBROS, NORITIES, HYPERITES) OF

RAJSAMAND – BHILWARA – AJMER DISTRICTS.

Black granites represented by gabbros, norites and hyperites dykes abundantly occur
in the Banded Gneissic complex of Rajasthan. These rocks are considered older to the
dolerite dykes of the region.

These black granites are encountered around the villages of Nimjhar, Chaondia, Amra
Ka Khera, Balapura, Nagola, Jabarkia, Sakrani, Bargaon, Sedria, Paranga, Daulatpura,
Ramgarh, Ramsar, Rampura, Loharwara, Ganeshpura, Jaswantpura and Batiyani.
These rocks occur as dykes of varying length and breadth and look similnar to those
of dolerites. These rocks are hard, compact, flawless and of uniform grain size. These
black granites are dominantly of fine-grained character.

Mineralogically the rocks contain hypersthene, diopside, plagioclase, olivine,

hornblende, and quartz with subordinate amounts of biotite and garnet. Apatite and
spinel are the accessory mineral con stituents. Iron oxides are the opaques.Texturally,
the rocks show relict gabbroic to granoblastic texture.

Commercially, these black granites have been mined in an unauthorised way for
several years and sold in the market. As these rocks are finegrained and deep black to
greenish black colour like dolerites, they take a good and long lasting polish. There is
a vast scope of commercial utilization of these rocks in the form of tiles of varying
sizes.

BLACK GRANITES OF SIHORI DISTRICT (GABBROS, PYROXENITES,

DOLERITES AND BASALTS)

Black granites of varying geological ages are encountered in Sirohi District at a

number of localities. Olderst of these rocks are the amygdaloidal basalts exposed
between the Pamta Hill and Sindret Hill and at Khomal near Sirohi town.

Pillowed and amygdaloidal basalts of Basantgarh and amphibolites, tranformed from

mafic lavas erupted contemporaneously with the Ajabgarh sediments, exposed, all
along the Delhi Supergroup of rocks from Keshavganj to Abu road in the south and
up to Ajmer in the north can be the future source of black granites.

Black Granites of Musala, Mer and Toa hills (Map-2) exposed near the village of
Mer-Mundwara along with those of Chandrwati and Kui are most significant from the
commercial point of view.

These rocks are represented by gabbros, pyroxenites, dolerites, basalts, hornblendites

and picrites, occur in boulders of varying sizes, spread across around 5 Sq. Km.
region. Huge size dykes and plugs of these black granites forming the well known
Mundwara Igneous Complex of the geological world lie at a distance of 40 km in
SSW of Sirohi town. These rocks are considered post Erinpura granites in age
(Coulson, 1933). However, presenty, they are taken up to Cretaceours in age.

Black granites of Chandrawati and Kui region are olivine gabbros and dolerites
located hardly 2 to 3 km from Abu Road town, resembles with those occurring in
Mundwara Igneous Complex, form large size dykes of sufficient length and bredth.
They extend for 1 Km. or more with a width of over 1 km, Boulders of varying, sizes
can yield blocks of different sizes.

Mineralogically, the black granites are composed of titaniferous augite, plagioclase,

olivine, hornblende and biotite. Magnetite and ilmenite are the opaque minerals
present. Apatite is an accessory mineral. Based on mineralogical variation the rocks
are classified as olivine dolerites, biotite, dolerites, hornblende basalts, augite basalts
and olivine basalts.

The textures in these rocks are of varied types such as basaltic, ophitic, and gabbroic.
Porphyritic texture has not been encountered. These rocks are medium to fine in grain
size. A characteristic feature of these black granites lie in their being hard, compact,
unaltered and without flaws and fractures of any kind, therefore thy take excellent
polish.

The Black granites of Mundwara Igneous Complex can yield. Jet Black to Black
Granites on commercial scale because of their homogenous grain size and absence of
knots, concentration of minerals and cracks etc.

These Blacks Granites do not fall under the forest region, hence the mining leases can
be procured easily. The black granites of Sirohi region are quite suitable for
manufacturing tiles of different sizes.

Besides the occurrences described above the Sirohi district also shows the location of
dolerite dykes in isolated manner. These dykes are either hypersthene dolerites or
olivine basats. Principal localities are 3 km WNW of Telpur, 2 km west of karjara
khera, one and half km south of Phalaudi, 1 Km WSW of Balda, West of Danta, one
and half km South of Sarthara and 2 km SSW of Mamauli; The occurrences have also
been noted near the villages of Kuma, Amlari, Sanwara, Nagani, Dhan, Dantari and
Dungrari.

In the southwestern part of Sirohi district, bordering the Palanpur region of Gujarat,
large number of dolerite dykes striking approx. E-W, NNE-SSW to NE-SW covering
villages of Kapasia, Padar, Bhatana, Kondar and Bamresi are encountered. These
dykes are considered post Malani in age.

Post Malani dykes of basalt are exposed one and half km W. of Sanwara village, 6
Km NE of Pardi village and those occurring near Danta village need investigation
from commercial point of view.

BLACK GRANITE DYKES OF PALI AND NAGAUR DISTRICTS

The major occurrences of black granites in Pali district are the dolerite dykes of Kuran
Talab area which extends up to 1 km in length. Another dolerite zone lies between
the villages of Bhimana and Thandi-Ki-Beri. These dolerite dykes are intrusive in
Sendra Granite.

The Black Granites of Nagaur district are represented by those dolerites which are
exposed at Sukhram Baba ki Dungri located in east of the village of Morad situated
in Parbatsar Tehsil. The other localities of black granites are in NW around the
villages of Kinsaria, Pingla, Dungir, Kishorpua and Bidiyad villages near Makrana.
The dolerites of Pali and Nagaur district are hard, compact and homogeneous in
character. These rocks need to be investigated from commercial point of view.

BLACK GRANITES OF JALORE DISTRICT.

The Black Granites of Jalore region are represented by dykes of basalts and olivine
dolerites which show variable length and width. These dykes are intrusive in Jalore
granites as well as in silicic volcanic rocks. exposed and alligned parallel to the joints.
One of the largest dyke in the region is exposed in Kalaghata region, close to the
Jalore town, has a width of more then 100 metres, forms number of paralled dykes at
its northern end.

The dykes varyig form Troctolite Gabbros to Olivine Gabbros or Anorthositic

Gabbros in composition. These dykes of different type of gabbros occur in Roja
Bhakar, Dabla Bhakar, Bijliya Bhakar and in Fort hill of Jalore. These black granites
are hard compact and coarse to fine grained.

Mineralogically, these rocks are compsed of titan augite, calcic plagioclase and
olivine with minor amounts of iron oxides and biotite. Fine grained black granites of
basaltic to doleritic composition are devoid of olivine. In some cases the gabbros
contain upto 50% olivine in the total mafic minerals. Texturally, the thin dyke rocks
show basaltic texture while the larger dykes are gabbroic to ophitic in texture.

The black granites of Jalore region are hard, compact and deep black in colour. Some
of the dykes were worked in the past. These dyke rocks are quite suitable for
obtaining the blocks or varying sizes. These rocks take excellent polish on the surface.

BLACK GRANITES OF SIWANA REGION

The black granites of Siwana region forms dykes and sills of dolerites and gabbros
occurring at a number of localities. The dykes of alkali olivine dolerite are intrusive in
rhyolites in the east of Kundal area while at other localities they cut across the
pantelleritic tuffs and peralkaline trachytes (Yadav, A.K. 1988). To the north of Siner,
sill like basaltic bodies are found in association with pantelleritic tuffs to the NW of
Mataka sthan; north of Goliya Bhaylan and to the east of Mokalsar village. The
olivine gabbros cut across the Siwana granites as well as volcanics.

Mineralogically the gabbroic rocks are composed of titan augite, calcic plagioclase
and olivine. Antigorite, chlorite and sericite are altered minerals in some cases.

In basalts the major minerals are titan augite and labradorite. Texturally, the gabbroic
rocks show gabbroic to poikilitic texture with occasional phenorysts of plagioclase.
The olivine microgabbros are medium grained while basalts are fine grained rocks of
cryptocrystalline to microcrystalline character.

The black granites of Siwana region are hard compact and unaltered and take
excellent polish. Different types of black granites are to be differentiated by way of
polishing them.
BLACK GRANITES OF BARMER DISTRICT

The black granites of Barmer district are the olivine dolerite dykes intruding the felsic
volcanics, granites and microgranites belonging to Malani Suite of Igneous Rocks.
Olivine gabbros, micro gabbros troctolites, gabbroic anorthosites and hornblende
gabbros. Alkali olivine dolerites and basalts also occur as dykes or plugs. These black
granites post date the peralkaline granites of the region.
The major multicoloured granite bodies of Barmer region are exposed at
Dharimanna, Mangata, Chauhtan, Taratara, Jasai, Redana and Mungeria. The minor
occurrences are around Ranigaon, Balera, Ati, Baisala, Balewa, Harsani and Suwala.
These granites are intruded by dolerite dykes. The dolerite dykes are seen along with
the dykes of rhyolites porphyries, rhyolites and pink microgranites.
North of village Mungeria as well as close to it, large size dykes and plugs of olivine
gabbros and olivine microgabbros are seen cutting the granites and basalts.The dyke
rocks around Mungeria show considerable variation in texture and mineralogy. The
coarse grained variety vary in composition from troctolite to olivine gabbro and
gabbroic anorthosite. Some of the basic dykes and plugs show the composition of
hornbnlende gabbro. West of Baisala village, the vesicular and amygdaloidal basalts
sometimes show porphyritic character. West of Suwala also number of plugs and
dykes of olivine gabbros can be seen exposed.
Mineralogically, the rocks contain titan augite, calcic plagioclase and olivine.
Hornblende appears in hornblende gabbros. The olivine remains altered to antigorite
and calcite. The principal texture of these rocks is gabbroic.
The black granites of Barmer occupy larger dimensions in the field, hence blocks of
all sizes can be obtained. These rocks are hard and compact hence take excellent
polish. These rocks are devoid of cracks and other flaws hence, suitable for the
manufacture of tiles.
The black granites of Barmer region like other region need the altention of
Government Department for attracting the entrepreneurs.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF BLACK GRANITES

Chemical composition of Black Granites show a great variation as it includes rocks

from Ultramafic to Acidic composition along with Mafic and Intermediate rocks.
Silica, alumina, iron oxides, manganese, magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium,
and phosphorous oxides also vary from rock to rock. (Table 2 & 3).

TABLE 2

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF BLACK GRANITES OF RAJASTHAN

Quartz – Basic Quartz Quartz- Hyper Olivine
Hypersthe Enderbit
hypersthe charnocki hypersthe hypersthe sthene meta -
ne diorite e
ne diorite te ne diorite ne diorite diorite norite
SIO2 59.587 58.72 52.30 60.160 67.940 61.320 53.95 51.57
TIO2 1.526 1.998 0.85 1.437 1.250 1.187 1.26 1.29
AL2O3 14.176 13.403 17.15 13.597 10.540 14.740 14.20 18.53
FE2O3 2.410 3.574 2.01 0.048 0.705 0.872 3.28 1.79
FEO 7.871 7.831 8.15 8.880 6.910 6.440 8.15 5.63
MNO 0.221 0.301 0.10 0.282 0.205 0.025 0.29 0.13
MGO 4.126 2.641 5.01 3.500 3.750 4.750 5.54 4.96
CAO 5.753 5.512 7.80 9.810 5.890 5.900 10.14 11.70
NA2O 1.928 2.219 3.15 1.900 1.800 2.200 1.71 2.86
K20 2.008 3.012 1.50 1.500 1.450 2.100 0.87 0.71
P2O5 0.332 0.743 0.28 0.238 0.272 0.272 0.24 0.26
H2O+ - - 0.80 0.260 0.330 0.340 - -
H2O - - - - - - - - -
Total - - - 101.612 101.042 10.33 - -
Bandanwa Bhinai, Sakrani, Nareli, Gyangarh Phakolia, Ramgarh, Ramsar,
ra, ajmer, ajmer, bhilwara, bhilwara, , bhilwara, ajmer, nasirabad
district. district. district. district. bhilwara, district. district. , ajmer,
district. district.

TABLE 3

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SELECTED BLACK GRANITES OF

RAJASTHAN
Dolerite Pyroxe Olivine Olivine Olivine Basalt Micro Basic Basic
nite gabbro basalt dolerit gabbro dyke dyke
e
SIO2 49.95 41.65 47.40 46.96 46.35 48.77 44.21 44.25 48.00
TIO2 1.50 5.55 0.91 1.43 3.06 3.39 3.00 2.25 3.50
AL2O3 14.66 12,334 20.03 10.37 15.34 15.05 14.26 17.64 14.51
FE2O3 1.93 4.70 1.52 4.08 4.09 4.21 6.44 4.57 6.41
FEO 9.48 9.46 8.52 8.24 8.34 8.27 7.60 7.72 6.00
MNO 0.18 0.24 0.22 0.23 0.24 0.25 0.78 0.14 0.13
MGO 6.64 9.15 5.23 11.39 5.41 4.08 7.04 6.67 4.67
CAO 11.92 12.82 13.55 14.76 9.93 7.00 9.04 9.01 8.75
NA2O 2.28 2.03 1.61 1.77 2.88 3.15 3.50 3.58 3.41
K2O 0.46 0.73 0.58 0.76 1.04 1.83 1.75 1.12 1.61
P2O5 0.17 0.71 0.32 0.32 0.65 0.98 0.70 0.42 0.30
H2O+ 1.40 0.302 0.15 0.19 1.50 1.30 2.20
2.25 2.79
H2O - 0.09 0.02 0.221 0.17 - - -
NIO - - 0.18 0.13 - - - - -
CO2 - - - - - - - - -
S -- - - - - - - -
CR2O3 - 0.058 0.075 0.02 - - - - -
Total 100.66 99.754 100.61 100.82 99.58 99.77 99.82 98.67 99.49
5
Locali Banrol, Mer, Toa, Toa, Kalagh Kalagh Siwana Barmer Barmer
ty rajsaman mundw mundw mundw ata, ata, r, , ,
d, ara, ara, ara, jalore, jalore, barmer, district. district.
district. sirohi, sirohi, sirohi, district. district. district.
district. district. district.

Significant points lie in the abundance of chemical constituents which are disastrous
for health. It becomes, therefore, necessary to obtain chemical analysis of the rocks
which are cut and polished for commercial purposes. Mention be made of chromium,
Nickel, Zirconium, Cobalt, Yattrium, Cerium, Radium, Uranium, Selenium, Fluorine,
Chlorine, Bromine lead and several other chemical constituents present in these rocks
which cause damages to the health even if present in traces. Radioactive elements
emit r-rays and alpha and beta particles which are not visible to the eyes. Similarly,
other constituents can come into appearance with minor reaction with water which
may carry small amounts of acids or impurities. Therefore, the polished slabs and tiles
of stones can give rise to gases affecting the human life. In general, the chemical
composition of commercial rocks quoted in specifications is only in terms of major
elements. It is therefore, necessary to determine all the trace elements quantitatively to
know the quality of rock from environmental point of view.

The various type of liquid soaps and chemical detergents when used for cleaning the
surfaces of polished slabs/tiles can react and give rise to gaseous which may be
disastrous for human health. This fact further brings in the utility of detailed chemical
analysis of a rock used for commercial purposes as dimensional stones.

CONCLUSIONS

The utility of black granites for the various purposes, particularly, in the buildings is
well known. Black granites are of wide use in hotels banks and fronts, manufacture of
tomb stones, furniture tops and in other ornamental purposes.

The State of Rajasthan has vast resources of black granites which need a detailed
investigation for the delineation of their different varieties. Presently, the granite
cutting and polishing factories of Rajasthan utilise the Black Granites obtained from
the states of Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa instead of developing
the resources of our own state. The responsibility, therefore, lies on State Goverment
Organisations such as CEDOS, RSMM, RSMDC and Department of Mines and
geology to launch projects of identifying the varieties of black granites so as to
compare them with those already available in India and abroad and develop them in
the form of cottage Industry in the State. A preliminary geological investiagtion has
already been done by the University Geology Departments in connection with the
academic investigations. An interaction between the various State Organisations,
Commercial Organisations, Universitites and Entrepruners is very necessary for the
future development of Granite Industry as a whole. New resources of multicoloured
granites of Rajasthan has been dealt by Pandya (2002) at length.

Map-1
Geological Map of Granulite – Gneiss Terrain, Central Rajasthan
(Modified After Heron, 1953)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

The financial assistance provided by
Technology (AICTE), Government of
thankfully acknowledged for providing
awarding, the Emeritus Fellowship on
export oriented granites of Rajasthan.
The All India Institute of Science and
India, New Delhi to the senior author is
funds to carryout the field work and for
the project related to the investigation on

The authorse are highly thankful to Shri D. S. Mehta, Ex-Director, and Shri P. K.
Verdia, Addl. Director, Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Rajasthan
for the collaboration in the project and for providing all kinds of help. The authors
acknowledge with immense thanks the Heads of the Department of Geology, M. L.
Sukhadia University, Udaipur for providing all necessary facilities of working at the
Department.

Shri T. S. Ranawat and Shri Ashok Kothari, Senior Geologists and Shri S. Devra of
DMG, Government of Rajasthan accomparised the senior author during the field
work and helped him in all possible ways for which he express his heartfell thanks to
them. The authors acknowledge with thanks the research students and other Ph.D.
Scholars of the University Department of Geology, Udaipur, whose work has
provided the chemical analyses quoted in this paper.

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