Kota Stone

Kota stone is a fine-grained limestone quarried from Kota district, Rajasthan. Used widely as flooring stone in Indian residential and commercial construction due to: (1) Low water absorption (<2%); (2) Durability and weather resistance; (3) Aesthetic — typical greenish-grey or brown colour with natural variations; (4) Cost — significantly cheaper than granite or marble (₹40-100/sqft for kota vs ₹500-3000/sqft for marble); (5) Easy availability throughout India. Per IS 1130:1971 (specifications for stone slabs), kota stone is graded by quality and dimensional accuracy.

Properties: (a) Density 2400-2500 kg/m³; (b) Compressive strength 50-100 MPa (lower than granite at 100-250 MPa); (c) Water absorption < 2%; (d) Acid-sensitivity — moderate; lemon juice etches the surface. Major Indian Kota stone suppliers: Rajasthan-based quarries, regional dealers, large stone suppliers in major cities.

Applications: (1) Flooring — most common Indian use; corridors, entry areas, courtyards, terraces. (2) Wall cladding — exterior architectural facade. (3) Stair treads and steps. (4) Garden paths and patios. (5) Bench tops and decorative surfaces. The most-overlooked aspect of Kota stone: surface finish requirements. Polished surfaces show etching from acidic substances (kitchen oils, fruit juices) over time; honed or sand-blasted finishes are more practical for high-traffic and exposed areas. Indian high-end residential typically specifies polished Kota for less-exposed areas; honed for heavily-trafficked.