Title

संगमरमर (Marble)

Rare

Saṅgamarmar

Marble

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Descriptionसङ्गमरमर (Sangamarmar), also known as मरमर (Maramar) or श्वेत पाषाण (Shweta Pashana - white stone), is a metamorphic rock primarily composed of calcite or dolomite [1]. Its formation involves recrystallization of carbonate minerals under heat and pressure. Density ranges from 2.56-2.8 g/cm³, compressive strength from 50-150 MPa, and water absorption is typically below 0.2% [2]. Quarries in Makrana, Rajasthan, have historically been primary sources. Extensively used in Indic heritage architecture from the Mauryan to Mughal periods, it features prominently in structures like the Taj Mahal and numerous Rajput palaces. Traditional construction methods involved hand-dressing and carving. Sangamarmar is utilized for flooring, wall cladding, मूर्ती - Mūrti (Idol) construction, and intricate inlay work (Pietra dura). Conservation necessitates addressing issues like staining, erosion due to acid rain, and biological growth. Restoration often involves cleaning, consolidation, and replacement with compatible materials. Durability is affected by porosity and environmental factors [3].
Also Known As
Marble
Saṅgamarmar
Marble
Sangamarmar
White Marble
Calcite Marble
संगमरमर
मरमर
श्वेत पाषाण
धवल शिला
சலவைக்கல் (Salavaikkal)
పాలరాయి (Paalarayi)
ಮಾರ್ಬಲ್ (Maarbal)
വെണ്ണക്കല്ല് (Veṇṇakkallŭ)
Tags
Marble
Metamorphic
Makrana
Decorative
Calcite
संगमरमर
Sangamarmar
Inlay
Pietra dura
Quarry
Sculpture
Carving
Rajasthan
Taj Mahal
Stone
Cladding
Dolomite
White
Jali
White Stone
White Marble
Makrana Marble
Metamorphic Rock
Ambaji
Crystalline
Mughal
Decoration
Polishing
Sangmarmar
सङ्गमरमर
Material ID
INHFMAT-837799037-20-11-25-SR
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/marble
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/marble
Total Sites1
Primary Sites1
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

Material Types

Types
Metamorphic Rock
Carbonate Rock
Calcite Marble
Dolomite Marble
Decorative Stone
Calcite
Dolomite
Dolomitic Marble
Calcareous Stone
Calcareous Rock

Regions

Regions
Rajasthan
Gujarat
Rajasthan (Makrana)
Tamil Nadu (imported)
Madhya Pradesh

Historical Context

Time Periods
Mughal Period
Modern Construction
Rajput Period
Mughal Period CE
Ancient Period CE
Medieval Period CE
Rajput Period CE
17th Century CE
18th Century CE
19th Century CE
20th Century CE
Qutb Shahi Dynasty
19th century CE
Late Medieval Period CE
Mughal Period (16th-18th Century CE)
Later
17th century CE
18th century CE
British Colonial Period
20th century CE
British Colonial Period CE
Ancient Period
Mughal Period (16th-18th century CE)
15th Century CE
Modern Period CE
Modern Period
Mughal Period (1526-1857 CE)
Rajput Period (7th-18th century CE)
Pre-Mughal Period CE
Modern Era
Post-Independence India
Mughal Period CE - Present
Mughal Empire
11th-13th century CE
Dynasties
Mughal
Rajput
Mauryan
Mughal Dynasty
Rajput clans
Qutb Shahi
Qutb Shahi dynasty
Asaf Jahi dynasty
Maurya
Solanki dynasty
Rana Dynasty
Mughal Empire
Rajput kingdoms
British
Sikh Empire
British Empire
Solanki
Rajput dynasties
Mughal dynasty
Rajputana kingdoms
Holkar
Delhi Sultanate
Rajput Dynasties
Solanki Dynasty

Geographic Sources

Sources
Makrana marble mines
Ambaji marble quarries
specific geographic sources
Makrana mines, Rajasthan
Ambaji quarries, Gujarat
Makrana mines
Ambaji mines
Makrana marble mines (Rajasthan)
Specific Rajasthan marble quarries
Makrana marble mines, Rajasthan
Ambaji quarries
specific Rajasthan quarries
Makrana quarries (Rajasthan)
Ambaji quarries (Gujarat)
Makrana mines (Rajasthan)
specific marble quarries
Ambaji marble quarries, Gujarat
Ambaji marble mines
Rajsamand region
Ambaji marble quarries (Gujarat)
Other quarries in Rajasthan
Ambaji mines, Gujarat
Bhedaghat (Madhya Pradesh)
specific local sources
Makrana quarries
Other quarries in Rajasthan, Gujarat

Properties

Properties
Compressive strength: 50-150 MPa
Density: 2.5-2.8 g/cm³
Porosity: 0.5-3%
Thermal expansion coefficient: 6-8 x 10⁻⁶/°C
Density: 2.56-2.65 g/cm³
Water absorption: 0.08-0.22%
Thermal expansion coefficient: 6-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C
Porosity: <1%
Thermal expansion: 6-9 x 10⁻⁶/°C
Water absorption: 0.08-0.2%
Thermal conductivity: 2.0-3.0 W/mK
Compressive strength: 60-120 MPa
Porosity: 0.1-1%
Thermal expansion coefficient: 6-8 x 10⁻⁶ /°C
Compressive strength: 50-100 MPa
Water absorption: <0.2%
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Porosity: 0.5-2%
Thermal conductivity: 2-3 W/mK
Compressive Strength: 50-150 MPa
Water Absorption: 0.08-0.2%
Thermal Expansion: 6-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C
Density: 2.6-2.8 g/cm³
Thermal expansion coefficient: 6-9 x 10^-6 /°C
Water absorption: <0.5%
Density: 2.56-2.69 g/cm³
Porosity: 0.1-1.0%
Thermal expansion coefficient: 6-9 x 10⁻⁶/°C
Specific gravity: 2.56-2.65
Compressive strength: 50-200 MPa
Density: 2.7 g/cm³
Porosity: 0.5-2.0%
Thermal expansion coefficient: Low
Specific gravity: 2.5-2.8
Compressive strength: 70-140 MPa
Water absorption: 0.2-0.5%
Thermal expansion coefficient: 6-8 x 10^-6 /°C
Specific gravity: 2.56-2.69 g/cm³
Density: 2600-2800 kg/m³
Thermal expansion: 6-9 x 10^-6 /°C
Water absorption: <1%
Compressive strength: 50-80 MPa
Porosity: 0.5-1%
Compressive strength: 60-170 MPa
Water absorption: 0.2-0.8%
Water absorption: 0.08-0.21%
Water absorption: 0.2-1.5%
Thermal expansion coefficient: 6-8 x 10^-6/°C
Thermal expansion: 6-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C
Thermal expansion coefficient: 6-9 x 10^-6/°C
Water absorption: 0.08-0.20%
Density: 2500-2800 kg/m³
Water absorption: 0.1-0.2%
Porosity: 0.5-1.5%
Thermal expansion coefficient: 4-8 x 10⁻⁶ /°C
Density: 2560-2690 kg/m³
Water absorption: 0.05-0.2%
Thermal conductivity: 2.8 W/mK
Density: 2560-2650 kg/m³

Common Uses

Uses
Decorative carvings
Flooring
Wall cladding
Statues
Decorative panels
Inlay work (Pietra dura)
Sculptures
Cladding
Inlay work
Decorative cladding
Idol construction
Pillars
Jalis
Inlays
Sculpture
Decorative elements
Facing stones
Inlay work (Pietra Dura)
Jali screens
Idol bases
Decorative flooring
Wall panels
Statuary
Carvings
Jalis (perforated screens)
Floor tiles
मूर्ती - Mūrti (Idol) construction
Decorative inlays (Pietra dura)
Jalis (screens)
Tombs
Jali work
Idols
Jalis (Perforated screens)
Jali (lattice screen) elements
Facing
Pillar shafts
मूर्ती - Mūrtī (Idols)

Related Materials

Materials
चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar)
रंग - Raṅga (Pigments)
लाख - Lākh (Lac)
रंग - Rang (Pigments)
रंग - Rang (Natural Pigments)
लाख - Lākh (Lac) (for polishing)
सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust)
सोना - Sonā (Gold)
Precious stones (for inlay)
Kāshtha (Timber)
Lohā (Iron)
बालू - Bālū (Sand)
गेरू - Geru (Red Ochre)
कीमती पत्थर - Kimati Patthar (Precious Stones)
Metal Dowels
पीतल - Pital (Brass)
सोना - Sonā (Gold Leaf)
संगमरमर जड़ना - Sangamarmar Jadna (Marble Inlay)
Lapis lazuli
Lākh (Lac)
Gemstones
बहुमूल्य पत्थर - Bahumulya Patthar (Precious Stones)
संगमरमर धूल - Sangamarmar Dhool (Marble Dust)
पीतल - Pītal (Brass)
रंग - Raṅg (Paint)
तेल - Tel (Oil)
रंग - Raṅg (Pigments)
Gemstones (for inlay)
Lapis Lazuli
Gond (Resin)
लाख - Lakh (Lac)
Gesso
लाख - Lākha (Lac)
Ratna (Gems) for inlay

Related Styles

Styles
Mughal architecture
Indo-Islamic architecture
Modern Temple Architecture
Indo-Islamic architecture style
Rajput architecture style
Mughal architecture style
Jain architecture style
Rajput architecture
Chettinad architecture
Jain architecture
Deccan architecture style
Indo-Nepalese architecture
Mughal Architecture
Indo-Islamic Architecture
Rajput Architecture
Indo-Saracenic architecture style
Maratha architecture style
Modern Indian Temple Architecture
Modern architecture
Indo-Saracenic Architecture
Nagara architecture style
Maru-Gurjara architecture style

Related Categories

Categories
Temple
Palace
Tomb
Mosque
Mausoleum
Mansion
Decorative elements
Pond
Platform
Palaces
Tombs
Temples
Garden
Mosques
Fort
Jain Temple

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to acid rain
  • Prone to staining
  • Requires gentle cleaning
  • May require polishing
  • Staining from organic matter
  • Requires gentle cleaning with pH-neutral solutions
  • Requires polishing to maintain luster
  • Susceptible to acid attack
  • Requires gentle cleaning methods
  • Susceptible to acid rain and staining.
  • Requires gentle cleaning methods.
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners.
  • Staining
  • Requires regular cleaning and polishing
  • Susceptible to staining from organic materials
  • Protect from abrasion
  • Susceptible to staining and etching from acids
  • Polishing can be used to restore surface luster
  • Susceptible to staining and scratching
  • Acidic cleaning agents should be avoided
  • Susceptible to staining
  • Vulnerable to acid etching
  • Susceptible to acid rain and staining
  • Protection from abrasion
  • Protection from acid rain
  • Use of non-ionic detergents recommended
  • Requires gentle cleaning with neutral pH solutions
  • Requires polishing and sealing
  • Surface erosion
  • Requires cleaning with pH-neutral solutions
  • Iron staining can occur due to oxidation of iron impurities
  • Use of pH-neutral cleaning agents
  • Can stain easily
  • Sensitive to abrasive cleaners
  • Requires gentle cleaning with pH-neutral solutions.
  • Iron staining from oxidation of pyrite inclusions.
  • Acid etching
  • Requires polishing
  • Staining from organic materials
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners
  • Sensitive to acidic cleaning agents
  • Polishing can restore surface luster
  • Susceptible to staining and etching
  • Avoid acidic cleaners
  • Polishing to maintain luster
  • Vulnerable to scratching and abrasion
  • Polishing to restore luster
  • Staining from pollutants
  • Acid sensitivity
  • Prone to etching
  • Susceptible to acid etching
  • Protect from staining agents
  • Susceptible to staining and etching by acids
  • Scratching
  • Requires regular cleaning with mild detergents
  • Acid rain damage
  • Sensitive to acidic substances
  • Can be polished to restore its luster
  • Protection from abrasion and scratching
  • Potential for iron staining
  • Can be damaged by abrasive cleaners
  • Requires non-acidic cleaning agents
  • Efflorescence
  • May require consolidation with compatible materials
  • Requires regular cleaning and sealing
  • Efflorescence can occur due to salt migration
  • Requires gentle cleaning with pH-neutral detergents
  • Protection from pollutants
  • Prone to sugaring (granular disintegration)

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
ASI Technical BulletinTechnical ReportMarble conservation
Indian Stones: Archives of Indian StonesJournalMarble types and properties
Indian Stones: A Comprehensive GuideBookGeological and technical properties
Marble Mining in RajasthanIndustry ReportGeology and extraction
Conservation of Marble MonumentsTechnical ReportCleaning and preservation techniques
ASI Conservation ManualsTechnical ReportMarble cleaning and preservation
Indian Minerals YearbookGovernment PublicationMarble production in India
Handbook of Building Materials for Fire ProtectionBookProperties of marble
Geology of Makrana MarbleGeological SurveyOrigin and properties
Studies in Indian ArtBookMarble usage in Mughal architecture
National Museum Conservation Institute PublicationsConservation GuideMarble conservation
Geology of RajasthanGeological SurveyMarble deposits
Archaeological Survey of India ReportsReportMaterial analysis of Mughal monuments
Marble Conservation HandbookTechnical GuideConservation techniques
The Marble Quarries of MakranaArticleGeological survey
The Marble of MakranaArticleDetailed analysis of Makrana marble
Marble Deposits of IndiaGeological SurveyMarble sources
Makrana Marble: A Geological StudyGeological Survey ReportMarble properties and origin
Marble Deposits of RajasthanGeological SurveyMining and properties
Marble Development and ConservationBookMarble properties and conservation
Marble Development and Conservation RulesGovernment RegulationMining and processing standards
Journal of Archaeological ScienceJournal ArticlePetrographic analysis of marble
ASI Conservation ManualConservation GuideMarble conservation techniques
Marble Development and Conservation StrategyGovernment ReportMarble mining and conservation
Indian Marble: History and ConservationBookMarble types and preservation
The Marble of Makrana: A Geological and Historical StudyAcademic JournalGeology and history of Makrana marble
The Geology of Marble Deposits in IndiaGeological Survey ReportDetails on marble formation and properties
Marble Quarries of RajasthanGeological SurveyOrigin and properties
ASI Guidelines for Stone ConservationTechnical ReportMarble conservation techniques
Marble Quarries of IndiaReportGeological and economic analysis
National Museum Institute Conservation StudiesAcademic PublicationMarble conservation techniques
Indian Stones: Archives of India AJournal ArticleMarble varieties and uses
Marble Mining in RajasthanIndustry ReportGeological survey
Geological Survey of India ReportsReportMarble deposits in India
Studies in Mughal ArchitectureBookDetailed analysis of marble usage
Study on Deterioration of Marble MonumentsResearch PaperMarble conservation
ASI Guidelines for Marble ConservationTechnical ReportConservation of Marble Structures
Report on Makrana MarbleGeological SurveyDetailed analysis of Makrana marble properties
ASI Technical BulletinTechnical ReportMarble conservation techniques
Marble Conservation HandbookTechnical GuideCleaning and preservation techniques
ASI Technical BulletinTechnical ReportMarble weathering analysis

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Dilwara Temples Mount Abu
Primary
100%

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