Sagar Black Sandstone

Sagar Black Sandstone is one of the most remarkable stones in Stone Harbor’s entire collection — not only for its dramatic near-black colouration, but for a geological feature found on its surface that no other sandstone in our range can offer: embedded fern-like fossil structures, formed over millions of years by mineral deposits within the stone, that create an organic, naturally printed pattern on every slab.

Quarried in the Sagar region of Madhya Pradesh and also known as Charcoal Sandstone, this stone was formed through a process of full oxidation within water. The result is a stone with negligible porosity, exceptionally high compressive and flexural strength, and a surface that has been used historically in cathedral pavements across Europe — where its durability under centuries of foot traffic is a matter of historical record.

Origin and Composition

Sagar Black Sandstone is a sedimentary stone from the Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Its deep black to charcoal colour results from the stone’s formation in a fully oxidised aquatic environment, producing an exceptionally dense, low-porosity material. The fern-like fossil patterns visible on slab surfaces are mineral deposits formed during this geological process — unique to this stone and varying between every slab. High compressive and flexural strength with negligible porosity make it suitable for both industrial and residential construction.

Technical Properties

• Stone Type: Sedimentary sandstone
• Also Known As: Charcoal Sandstone
• Origin: Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh, India
• Colour: Deep black to charcoal with dark grey ash tones
• Distinctive Feature: Natural fern-like fossil mineral deposits on slab surfaces
• Porosity: Negligible — among the lowest of any Indian sandstone
• Compressive Strength: High
• Flexural Strength: High
• Frost Resistance: Yes
• Weather Resistance: Excellent

Available Finishes

• Natural Cleft / Hand Cut: Full fossil pattern visible and riven texture retained.
• Machine Cut: Precise clean surface while preserving the natural dark colour.
• Honed (one side or both): Smooth surface that deepens the black tone.
• Polished / Mirror Finish: Near-mirror surface for premium interior applications. Dramatically dark and reflective.
• Calibrated: Consistent thickness for installation ease.

Standard Sizes and Dimensions

• Available in tiles, slabs, bricks, steps, cobbles, and pebbles
• Standard thickness: 10 – 20 mm and 25 – 40 mm
• Custom sizes available on request

Applications

• Historical Cathedral and Heritage Paving: The stone has a documented history of use in European cathedral pavements.
• Feature Walls and Facades: The fossil patterns and black depth create an extraordinary visual surface.
• Interior Flooring: Dark, dramatic flooring for luxury residential and commercial spaces.
• Garden Furniture and Handicrafts: Individual slab character makes it ideal for bespoke pieces.
• Industrial and Commercial Construction: High strength and low porosity suit demanding applications.
• Pool Surrounds and Water Features: Black stone creates a luxury aesthetic around water.

Contact Stone Harbor to discuss this stone and request samples. Its fossil features mean every slab is genuinely unique — we recommend reviewing actual slab photographs before ordering.