Rock types characteristics of Prambanan and Sambisari Temples, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia

Prambanan and Sambisari temples, built between the 8th to 10th centuries in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia, are constructed primarily from hornblende-pyroxene andesite and pyroxene basalt, with Sambisari also featuring pumice breccia. These rock types are geochemically similar to those found around Merapi volcano (Quaternary) and the Semilir Formation (Tertiary), suggesting local volcanic sources. Petrographic analysis revealed porphyritic textures in andesite, with phenocrysts of plagioclase, hornblende, pyroxene, and opaque minerals, while pumice breccia exhibited moderate sorting and vesicular clasts. Oxidation and weathering, indicated by secondary iron oxides, are attributed to the tropical climate and original vesicular nature of the lava. This study provides insights into the geological origins and durability challenges of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sutarto, Kusumayudha, S. B., Murwanto, H., & Faranisya, S. (2018). Rock types characteristics of Prambanan and Sambisari Temples, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 212, 12048. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/212/1/012048