what are the materials used for the construction of the famous konark temple?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konark
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The famous Konark Temple, also known as the Sun Temple, is an architectural marvel located in Odisha, India. It was built in the 13th century and is dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya. The temple is renowned for its intricate stone carvings and is made primarily of three types of stone materials.
1. Khondalite: Khondalite is the main material used in the construction of the Konark Temple. It is a type of metamorphic rock that is widely available in the region. Khondalite is composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica, giving it a durable and strong nature. It provides the foundation and core structure of the temple.
2. Chlorite Schist: Chlorite schist is another type of metamorphic rock used in the construction of the temple. It is characterized by its greenish color due to the presence of chlorite minerals. Chlorite schist was used for the decorative elements, intricate carvings, and elaborate sculptures of gods, goddesses, animals, and mythological figures seen throughout the temple complex.
3. Laterite: Laterite, a type of sedimentary rock, was used as a building material for the outer walls of the temple. It is a relatively soft rock that can be easily carved and shaped. Laterite was used to create moldings, external decorations, and various architectural elements of the temple.
To determine the materials used for the construction of the Konark Temple, one can refer to historical records, archaeological surveys, and scholarly studies on the subject. These sources provide detailed information on the type of stones used, their origin, and the techniques employed by the artisans during the temple's construction.