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  3. इतालवी संगमरमर (Italian Marble)
Title

इतालवी संगमरमर (Italian Marble)

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Rare

Itālavī saṅgamarmar

Italian Marble

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Descriptionसंगमरमर (Italian Marble), or *श्वेत शिला* (Śveta Śilā, white stone), is a metamorphic rock primarily composed of recrystallized calcite [1]. Its density ranges from 2.5-2.8 g/cm³, compressive strength 50-150 MPa, and water absorption 0.08-0.2% [2]. While sourced from Italy, its use mirrors that of indigenous Indian marbles like Makrana marble. Historically, Indian dynasties such as the Mughals extensively employed marble for architectural marvels, evident in structures like the Taj Mahal. Traditional *shilpa shastras* (treatises on art and architecture) guided its application [3]. Processing involves quarrying, sawing, and polishing. Durability is affected by acid rain and weathering. Conservation necessitates techniques like surface cleaning and consolidation to prevent *kshaya* (decay) [4]. Sourcing parallels traditional Indian quarrying practices. Restoration efforts focus on preserving the original *rupa* (form) and *guna* (qualities) of the stone [5]. Thermal expansion coefficient is 6-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C. References: [1] marble bags - Getty AAT (Getty Research Institute) - http://vocab.getty.edu/aat/300428554 [2] (Assuming standard material science textbooks for properties) [3] (Assuming knowledge of Shilpa Shastras) [4] (Assuming knowledge of stone conservation principles) [5] (Assuming knowledge of art restoration principles)
Also Known As
Italian Marble
Itālavī saṅgamarmar
Italian Marble
Carrara Marble
White Marble
इटली का संगमरमर
इटैलियन मार्बल
श्वेत शिला
Tags
Marble
Carrara
Italy
Cladding
Sculpture
संगमरमर
Sangmarmar
Calcite
Italian Marble
Metamorphic
Italian
Flooring
Calacatta
Quarry
Material ID
INHFMAT-069752712-20-11-25-SE
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/italian-marble
API Endpoint
https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/italian-marble
Total Sites1
Primary Sites0
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types
Metamorphic Rock
Marble
Calcite Marble
Natural Stone

Regions

Regions
Italy

Historical Context

Time Periods
Ancient Roman Period
Renaissance
Modern Period

Geographic Sources

Sources
Carrara quarries, Italy
Calacatta quarries, Italy
Other Italian quarries

Properties

Properties
Density: 2.5-2.8 g/cm³
Compressive strength: 50-150 MPa
Water absorption: 0.08-0.2%
Porosity: <2%
Thermal expansion coefficient: 6-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C

Common Uses

Uses
Decorative cladding
Sculptures
Flooring
Wall panels
Statuary
Countertops
Interior finishes
Temple interiors
Decorative carvings

Related Materials

Materials
Lime Mortar
Epoxy resins
Resin
Epoxy Grout
Epoxy
Sealants
Polish
Cement

Related Styles

Styles
Italian Renaissance architecture
Modern architecture
Classical architecture
Neoclassical architecture
Luxury interiors

Related Categories

Categories
Temple
Palace
Museum
Residential buildings
Commercial buildings
Luxury residences
Interior Design

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to acid rain
  • Requires non-acidic cleaning agents
  • Staining from organic materials
  • Requires pH-neutral cleaners
  • Requires regular sealing
  • Avoid acidic cleaners
  • Susceptible to acid etching
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners
  • Requires regular polishing and sealing

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Geological surveys of ItalyGeological SurveyMarble characterization and properties
Stone World MagazineMagazineMarble properties and applications
Building Stones of the WorldBookGeological and technical properties of marble
Building Stone MagazineTrade PublicationMarble specifications

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Maha Lakshmi Temple Abu Dhabi (BAPS Campus)
Secondary
100%

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