TAJ MAHAL :

                TAJ MAHAL the most famous monument of  INDIA which is   actually more than a centuries old. Its just not the architecture  or the semi-precious stones which are inlaid into the white marble, or the carving work done on the marble. Its the stone on the exterior that we see on the walls of that white monument, know as white marble. The marble itself speaks for the beauty of TAJMAHAL.

              Where does that white marble comes from .People have that myth that its from IRAN but the TRUTH is its from MAKRANA, RAJASTHAN, INDIA. TAJ MAHAL  is ascribed to the various moods that presents to its viewers. Clad in delicate, white Makrana marble, the Taj changes its character across time as the light changes- dawn, noon, twilight, night. The shadows that fall on the marble too enhance the effect, being very delicate. The Taj is considered especially etheral when viewed on a full moon night. For Tagore, the Taj was a "tear in the face of eternity".

            Makrana marble is a GOD gift to its people of Rajasthan. Marble deposits are widespread in India, with deposits of economic importance being concentrated in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh.

          Rajasthan is the main depository of marble, with reserves spread over the districts of Nagaur, Udaipur,Rajsamand, Banswara, Dungarpur, Jaipur, Sirohi, Bhilwara, Ajmer, Bundi, Alwar, and Pali. The main varieties in Rajasthan include Green, Makrana Albeta White, Makrana Kumari White, Makrana Dungri White, Jhiri Onyx, Phalodi Pink, Ambaji White, Indo-Italian, Babarmal Pink, Bhainslana Black, Forest Green, Forest Brown, Agaria White, dan Morwar White.Next to Rajasthan, Gujarat has vast reserves of marble in the districts of Banaskantha, Bharuch, Vadodara, Kachchh, and Panchmahal. Of these, Ambaji area in Banaskantha district and Chunchupura area in Vadodara district are the main quarrying centre for marble. Deposits of marble in Andhra Pradesh are spread over Guntur, Khammam, Cuddapah, Kurnool and Anantapur districts. Marble rocks of Bhedaghat, Katni, Majholi near Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh are the latest discoveries. Main states producing marble are Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat: Rajasthan

       The largest state of India accounts for over 90% of total marble production of the country. Main varieties here are:

                        Makarana Marble: The famous marble of which the Taj Mahal is made, it is highly calcic. Main sub-varieties are Kumhari, Doongri, Alberta, and Makaran White. The largest mines is Makrana marble.Length of mines is 1350m.        

                         Rajnagar Marble: World's largest marble-producing area, with over 2,000 gang saw units located  in the nearby town of Kishangarh to process the material produced. Agaria is the best variety of this area, with numerous other varieties and patterns, primarily in white base. The marble is dolomite and often has quartz intrusions.

                          Andhi Marble: Located near the capital city of the state of Jaipur (also known as the 'Pink City'), it is dolomite marble with intrusions of tremolite, and is commonly known by the name of pista (pistachio) marble, because of the green coloured tremolite against an off-white background. One of the famous varieties of this area was known as Indo-Italian, owing to its resemblance with Satvario Marble. Most of the mining of this famous field is now banned by the Supreme Court of India because of the vicinity of the area to the Sariska Tiger Reserve

                        Salumber Marble: Also known as Onyx Marble, it has thick bands of green and pink hint. A resemblance to Onyx Marble from Pakistan gives it this name. This is also highly dolomite.

                         Yellow Marble: Though it has not been metamorphosed and hence is still a limestone,it is known as Yellow Marble in trade circles. It is mined in the Jaisalmer District.

                         Bidasar: Again this is not marble, but is known as marble in trade circles. These are ultra basic rocks in shades of brown and green colour. The criss-cross linear pattern given it a remarkableresemblance to a photograph of dense forest. These are also known as forest green/brown or fancy green/ brown.