UNESCO World Heritage Sites, International Union of Geological Sciences and Heritage Stone Subcommission

A significant advancement in recognizing the geological and cultural importance of heritage stones, 22 natural stones have been globally acknowledged by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) as Global Heritage Stone Resources. This recognition underscores their pivotal role in shaping civilized societies from antiquity to modern times, evident through their use in constructing monumental structures like forts, temples, and palaces worldwide. The study highlights three Indian UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Hampi’s monuments (14th–17th century), the 13th-century Sun Temple at Konârak, and Chittorgarh Fort—as prime examples of such heritage stones in action. It also elucidates the functions of the IUGS and its Heritage Stone Subcommission in preserving these geological resources, which are intrinsic to cultural identities and architectural traditions.

Kaur, G., Singh, S., Ahuja, A., & Singh, N. D. (2020). UNESCO World Heritage Sites, International Union of Geological Sciences and Heritage Stone Subcommission. Natural Stone and World Heritage, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780429286391-1