The Chunar stone, a firm sandstone with a reddish-buff color and fine grains that is quarried in the Mirzapur District of Uttar Pradesh, is extensively used in Indian architecture.

The artform

This sandstone is special because its luster never fades. It has been utilized in the ASI Museum of Sarnath's Lion Capital and Ashokan Pillar. The physical, chemical, and mechanical composition of Chunar Balua Patthar is almost uniform, and as a result, even after spending years submerged in water, the stone has maintained its smooth appearance from the quarry.

GI tag

This unique stone received the GI tag in 2019.