WHAT IS MAKRANA MARBLE?
The light colouring of the Taj Mahal comes from white Makrana marble, the primary material mined for construction. As is traditional in Mughal architecture, red stone is the material of choice for military buildings and white marble for sacred places. The exterior buildings, such as the entrance gate, were built using red sandstone, while the majority of the Taj Mahal comprises pure white marble. Makrana marble comes from Makrana in Rajasthan and is about 99 per cent pure calcium carbonate. Being mostly calcium carbonate with traces of impurities, the material is the most water-resistant rock in India. As demonstrated by the Taj Mahal’s appearance today, this material still retains its pale colouring and shine.