Title

श्वेत संगमरमर (White Marble)

Rare

Śveta Saṅgamaramara

White Marble

4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites)
Descriptionसफेद 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
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/white-marble
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/white-marble
Total Sites2
Primary Sites1
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

Material Types

Types
Metamorphic Rock
Marble
Calcite Marble
Dolomitic Marble
Calcite
Carbonate Rock

Regions

Regions
Rajasthan
Gujarat

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

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%

Common Uses

Uses
Cladding
Decorative Carvings
Flooring
Statuary
Sculptures
Inlay Work
Jali Screens
Pillars
Panels

Related Materials

Materials
Chuna (Lime Mortar)
Surkhi (Brick Dust)
Rang (Pigments)
Lakh (Lac)
Gemstones

Related Styles

Styles
Mughal Architecture
Indo-Saracenic Architecture
Rajput Architecture
Indo-Islamic Architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Temple
Palace
Mausoleum
Monument
Palaces
Tombs
Temples

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to acid rain
  • Requires gentle cleaning agents
  • Staining from organic matter
  • Requires pH-neutral cleaning solutions
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners
  • Protective coatings recommended

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
ASI Technical BulletinTechnical ReportMarble conservation
Indian Minerals YearbookReportMarble production data
Journal of Archaeological ScienceJournal ArticleMarble provenance studies
Geology of RajasthanGeological SurveyMarble deposits

Heritage Sites (2)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Matri Mandir Shillong
Primary
100%
Hawa Mahal Jaipur
Secondary
100%

Frequently Asked Questions