| Title | श्वेत संगमरमर (White Marble)Rare Śveta Saṅgamaramara White Marble |
|---|---|
| Description | सफेद संगमरमर (Saphed Sangamarmar), also known as धवल संगमरमर (Dhaval Sangamarmar), is a metamorphic rock primarily composed of recrystallized calcite (CaCO₃) or dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂) [1]. Originating from carbonate sediments subjected to heat and pressure, its density ranges from 2.6-2.8 g/cm³ with low porosity (<1%) [2]. Historically sourced from quarries in Rajasthan and Gujarat, it was extensively used during the Mughal and Rajput periods. Its compressive strength is 50-140 MPa, and the thermal expansion coefficient is 6-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C [2]. Traditional construction methods employed it for cladding, flooring, and intricate जाली (jali) screens. Heritage sites like the Taj Mahal showcase its durability. Conservation involves addressing staining, erosion, and structural damage. Traditional artisans used specialized tools for carving and inlay work. Restoration requires compatible materials and techniques to preserve its aesthetic and structural integrity. The term "marble bags" refers to the containers used for transporting marble [1]. |
| Also Known As | White Marble Śveta Saṅgamaramara White Marble Marble Makrana Marble (if applicable) Carrara Marble (if applicable) सफेद संगमरमर धवल संगमरमर संगमरमर पत्थर सित संगमरमर வெள்ளை பளிங்கு (Veḷḷai paḷiṅku) తెల్ల పాలరాయి (Tella pālarāyi) ಬಿಳಿ ಮಾರ್ಬಲ್ (Biḷi mārbal) വെളുത്ത മാർബിൾ (Veḷutta mārbiḷ) |
| Tags | Safed Sangmarmar White Marble Marble Makrana Cladding Calcite Rajasthan Carving |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-174859087-20-11-25-SI |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/white-marble |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/white-marble |
| Total Sites | 2 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
External References
Material Types
| Types | Metamorphic Rock Marble Calcite Marble Dolomitic Marble Calcite Carbonate Rock |
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Regions
| Regions | Rajasthan Gujarat |
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Historical Context
| Time Periods | Mughal Period Rajput Period 18th Century Modern Period |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | Mughal Dynasty Rajput Dynasty |
Geographic Sources
| Sources | Makrana marble mines, Rajasthan Ambaji quarries, Gujarat |
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Properties
| Properties | Density: 2.6-2.8 g/cm³ Compressive strength: 50-140 MPa Water absorption: <0.5% Thermal expansion coefficient: 6-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C Porosity: <1% |
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Common Uses
| Uses | Cladding Decorative Carvings Flooring Statuary Sculptures Inlay Work Jali Screens Pillars Panels |
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Related Materials
| Materials | Chuna (Lime Mortar) Surkhi (Brick Dust) Rang (Pigments) Lakh (Lac) Gemstones |
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Related Styles
| Styles | Mughal Architecture Indo-Saracenic Architecture Rajput Architecture Indo-Islamic Architecture |
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Related Categories
| Categories | Temple Palace Mausoleum Monument Palaces Tombs Temples |
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Conservation Notes
| Notes |
|
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Recommended Sources
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASI Technical Bulletin | Technical Report | Marble conservation |
| Indian Minerals Yearbook | Report | Marble production data |
| Journal of Archaeological Science | Journal Article | Marble provenance studies |
| Geology of Rajasthan | Geological Survey | Marble deposits |
Heritage Sites (2)
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matri Mandir Shillong | Primary | 100% | |
| Hawa Mahal Jaipur | Secondary | 100% |