Marble

The term "Marble" is derived from Latin word "Marmor" which itself comes from the Greek root "Marmaros" meaning thereby a shining stone.Technically marble is a recrystallised, compact variety of metamorphosed limetone capable of taking polish. Commercially, marble is any crystalline rock composed predominantly of calcite, dolomite or serpentine, having 3-4 hardness, which can be excavated as blocks and can be sawed and takes good polish. Amongst the building stones, marble occupies a unique position. Since time immemorial, marble has been used in temples, mosques, palaces, monuments etc. as an ornamental and decorative stone because of its pleasing colours, attactive patterns and designs. On the basis of mineralogical composition the marble deposits of Rajasthan can be grouped as calcitic, dolomitic and serpentine marble. Makrana, Serwa-Perwa, Paloda etc. are calcitic whereas those of Tripura Sundari and Rajnagar are dolomitic. Green marble of Keshriaji (Udaipur) and Dungarpur is serpentine marble. Babarmal marble is silicious, calcitic marble.