Marble is a popular material used in the manufacture of Hindu murtis (idols or statues) due to its durability, beauty, and ability to take fine details. However, with so many different types of marble available, it can be challenging for artisans to choose the right one for their project. In this guide, we will explore some of the most commonly used marbles for murti manufacturing and the unique characteristics of each type.
- Makrana Marble: Makrana is a type of pure white marble that is widely used in the manufacture of murtis due to its fine grain and uniform texture. It is highly valued for its ability to take fine details and has been used for centuries in India for the creation of religious sculptures and monuments. Makrana is also one of the most durable marbles available and is resistant to damage from weathering and erosion.
- Agra Marble: Agra is a type of white marble that is named after the city of Agra in India, where it is widely used for the manufacture of murtis. Agra marble is known for its fine grain and uniform texture, which makes it ideal for taking fine details. It is also relatively hard and durable, making it a popular choice for outdoor murtis that will be exposed to the elements.
- Rajnagar Marble: Rajnagar is a type of white marble that is widely used in India for the manufacture of murtis and other religious sculptures. It is known for its fine grain and uniform texture, as well as its ability to take fine details. Rajnagar marble is also relatively hard and durable, making it a popular choice for outdoor murtis.
- Green Marble: Green marble is a type of marble that is prized for its beautiful green color, which is the result of iron oxide deposits. It is a popular choice for murtis that are intended to represent Hindu deities associated with nature, such as Lord Shiva. Green marble is relatively hard and durable, but it is also more porous than other types of marble, which means that it is more prone to staining.
- Pink Marble: Pink marble is a type of marble that is prized for its beautiful pink color, which is the result of iron oxide deposits. It is a popular choice for murtis that are intended to represent Hindu deities associated with love and compassion, such as Goddess Parvati. Pink marble is relatively hard and durable, but it is also more porous than other types of marble, which means that it is more prone to staining.
- Black Marble: Black marble is a type of marble that is prized for its beautiful black color, which is the result of iron oxide deposits. It is a popular choice for murtis that are intended to represent Hindu deities associated with power and strength, such as Lord Hanuman. Black marble is relatively hard and durable, but it is also more porous than other types of marble, which means that it is more prone to staining.
When choosing the right marble for your murti project, there are several factors that you should consider, including:
- Cost: Different types of marble have different prices, and the cost will depend on the availability, quality, and location of the marble.
- Durability: Some types of marble are more durable than others and are better suited for outdoor use or for murtis that will be subjected to frequent handling.
- Texture: The texture of the marble will affect its ability to take fine details and its overall appearance.
- Porosity: Some types of marble are more porous than others and are more prone to staining.
- Color: The color