The Purest of Stone
Makrana marble has an unusually high proportion of CaCO3. A higher percentage of calcium carbonate results in a denser, whiter marble. Makrana marble has an estimated 90-98% calcium, and it is this that makes it resistant to staining, colour change, water seepage, and deterioration. Coarser crystals make the Makrana marble stronger and more translucent. These closely interlocking crystals result in a stone that is less porous, less vulnerable to infiltration by dust and soot, and easier to work.
It is not just the white brilliance of Makrana that sets it apart. Due to its uniformity of texture, closeness of grain, and interlocking of crystals, it is also particularly strong. The comprehensive strength of Makrana Marble is 3 to 4 tons to a cubic inch, where a cubic foot of marble weighs 2 MDS.
While local people have always known that the marble of Makrana is exceptional, it was not until the 1800s that the marble was submitted to extensive testing to ascertain its true nature. Famed British geologist Sir Thomas Henry Holland was tasked with the daunting job of sourcing the perfect material to create a fitting monument to celebrate the memory of Queen Victoria. Extensive testing of Makrana marble and various other highly regarded European marble samples was completed. The tests showed conclusively that for withstanding the onslaught of weather while resisting water seepage or colour change, the best marble for this auspicious building was undoubtedly the Makrana marble.
Beauty & Purity
The same unique physical characteristics that make Makrana marble strong and seal its historic reputation as both resilient and resistant, also make it stunningly beautiful. The course crystals that give it its strength, also create a mesmerisingly brilliant finish with greater translucency than finer-grained stone. This is the secret behind the high shine that can be achieved with Makrana marble. It is especially receptive to polishing, and a smooth, dazzling finish that does not fade over time can be achieved.
Other marbles are known to fade or change with time. Impurities such as magnesium and iron within marble can be vulnerable to oxidization, which can result in colour change, tarnishing the crisp white with yellow or grey shades. This doesn’t happen with Makrana marble as it does not contain these vulnerable elements. The result is a purity of colour that stands the test of time and a tangible reminder of the timelessness of beauty itself.
Versatility
Makrana marble is now used in a much wider range of applications. From hard-wearing flooring that does not compromise on beauty and worktops and furniture designed to last a lifetime to small handicrafts, trinkets, and mementoes. One of the most versatile aspects of Makrana marble is that it lends itself equally well to large-scale architectural design and small intricate objects.
In architectural and design terms, this means that a fluid aesthetic can be achieved from large-scale installations through to the finer, finishing details. In personal terms, it means that an individual can own a work of art that encompasses all the beauty and cultural and historical significance of Makrana. Whether you want to walk through marble halls or hold an objet d’art in your hands, Makrana meets a versatile range of needs.
Varieties of Makrana Marble
Makrana marble is divided into several categories according to pattern and colour. The most famous of these is perhaps the Makrana White Marble with its pure, lustrous brilliance. White marble is used in residential and commercial buildings and especially in temples, mosques, churches, and monuments. It is also a beloved choice for use in sculptures, and handicrafts.
Dungri Marble is one of the oldest and finest quality marbles from the Makrana mines. This stone is widely used in flooring, and wall cladding because of its strength and resilience. It requires no chemical reinforcement and is resistant to fading, staining, and pin holes.
Albeta Marble is a milky white marble, available in both grey and panther-brown patterns. Other Makrana marbles with patterning or striations include the grey Khumari marble, the rose-tinted Makrana pink and Makrana Pink Adanga, and Adanga marble which varies in colour from shades of grey to brown.