MATERIALS

Marble

Metamorphic limestone — softer than granite (60-100 MPa). Acid-sensitive — avoid for kitchens and outdoor.

Also calledmarble flooringitalian marble
Related on InfraLens
CODES
IS 1130
Definition

Marble is a metamorphic limestone used for flooring, wall cladding, sculptures, and decorative architecture. Per IS 1130:1971 (specifications for stone slabs), marble has: (1) Compressive strength 60-100 MPa; (2) Density 2500-2700 kg/m³; (3) Water absorption 0.5-1%; (4) Acid-sensitive — etched by lemon juice, tomato, vinegar; (5) Soft surface — scratch-prone. Indian marble varieties: Makrana (Rajasthan, premium white), Indian marble (various colours), Italian marble (imported, Carrara, Statuary). Major Indian marble production regions: Rajasthan (Makrana, Banswara), Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka.

Varieties popular in Indian construction: (1) Makrana white — white with subtle veining; ₹500-2,000/sqft; premium residential. (2) Italian marble (Carrara, Statuary) — premium imported; ₹800-3,000/sqft; high-end residential and commercial. (3) Indian marble varieties (various colours) — ₹250-800/sqft; mid-range residential. (4) Onyx — translucent variety; ₹2,000-5,000/sqft; specialty decorative.

Applications: (1) Flooring — dominant Indian use; living rooms, entry areas, decorative spaces. (2) Wall cladding — premium architectural. (3) Bathrooms — washbasins, vanities (with sealing for water-resistance). (4) Decorative — sculptures, architectural detail. (5) Memorial work. The most-overlooked aspect of Indian marble use: acid sensitivity. Many Indian residential customers are surprised when their marble floor in dining areas or kitchens etches from typical food acids (lemon juice, tomato sauces) within months. Always specify granite or vitrified tiles for kitchens and dining; marble for non-acidic environments only.

Where used
  • Premium residential flooring — living rooms, entries
  • External wall cladding (heritage and high-end modern)
  • Decorative architecture — sculptures, columns
  • Bathrooms — washbasins, vanities
  • Memorial and decorative work
Acceptance / threshold
Per IS 1130:1971: thickness 18-25 mm typical; dimensional tolerance ±2 mm; compressive strength 60+ MPa; surface finish (polished/honed/textured) per use; sealing for water-exposed surfaces.
Frequently asked
What is the cost of marble?
Indian marble costs (April 2026): basic Indian varieties ₹250-800/sqft; Makrana white ₹500-2,000/sqft; Italian marble (Carrara, Statuary) ₹800-3,000/sqft; specialty (onyx) ₹2,000-5,000/sqft. Includes polished finish. Premium varieties significantly more expensive than granite of equivalent quality.
Is marble suitable for kitchen?
No — marble is acid-sensitive. Etched by typical kitchen acids (lemon juice, tomato sauces, vinegar). Use granite or vitrified tiles for kitchen counters and floors. Marble acceptable in dining rooms (light food contact, easy clean). Acid sensitivity test: drop lemon juice — etching means marble; no etching means granite or acid-resistant stone.
What is the difference between marble and granite?
Marble: metamorphic limestone, softer (60-100 MPa), acid-sensitive (etches from food acids), scratch-prone, suitable for low-traffic decorative areas. Granite: igneous rock, very hard (100-250 MPa), acid-resistant, scratch-resistant, ideal for kitchens and high-traffic flooring. Cost: marble ₹250-5,000/sqft; granite ₹500-3,500/sqft. Use: marble for living rooms/decorative; granite for kitchens/heavy-use.
Related materials terms
Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
33/43/53 grade Portland cement. 53 most common for structural use.
Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)
Cement blended with fly ash. More durable than OPC.
Portland Slag Cement (PSC)
Cement blended with blast furnace slag
Aggregates (Fine & Coarse)
Coarse (10-40mm) and fine (sand) aggregates per IS 383
Sand (River / M-Sand)
Fine aggregate. River sand or manufactured sand.
Brick / Block Masonry
Bricks per IS 1077, blocks per IS 2185
Tile (Floor / Wall / Roof)
Floor/wall/roof tiles per various IS codes
Paint & Coatings
Wall paint, primer, putty, coatings