Stone Division
Overview
The Stone Division, NRLC is engaged in the scientific study, analysis and conservation of stone cultural heritage objects. India abounds in stone sculptures and monuments, which form a considerable part of our rich and varied cultural heritage. Stone has always been one of humanity's most trusted building materials — from ancient temples and forts to sculptures and even modern structures, it carries our history in its layers. Though stone feels strong and permanent, it weakens due to various conditions. Rain, wind, salts, pollution, and even tiny organisms like algae can slowly weaken it, and over time this leads to cracks, loss of detail, or even structural damage.
That is why stone conservation is so important. Preserving stone helps us keep our cultural heritage alive — it protects monuments that connect us to our ancestors, supports cultural identity, and sustains tourism.
Key Aspects of Stone Conservation
The important aspects related to Stone Conservation are:
- Studying the stone itself — finding out what it is made of, how porous or strong it is, and why it reacts in certain ways to the environment
- Understanding how damage happens — whether it's due to acid rain, salt, freezing winters, or biological growth
- Testing solutions — from cleaning methods to protective coatings that strengthen stone without changing its look
- Running experiments — using tools like salt spray chambers and freeze–thaw cycles to simulate years of weathering in a short time
- Documenting and monitoring — tracking changes over time without harming the stone
- Training and guiding others — creating guidelines, policies and hands-on training for conservators, archaeologists and students
In short, stone conservation is not just about protecting rocks — it's about preserving human stories carved in stone, learning from the Earth's history, and ensuring that the knowledge we gain benefits both heritage conservation and future building practices.
Our Team
The employees working at present in Stone Division:
| S. No. | Name of the Employee | Designation | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. K.S.S.Mounika | Senior Scientific Assistant | Ph.D. in Geology, Andhra University |
Scientific Instruments
| S. No. | Equipment Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mortar Mixture |
| 2 | Oven |
| 3 | Vibrating Machine |
Photographs of the Equipment
