A makrana stoen carver

Today we are exploring carving made from Makrana stone. This is marble which comes from the quarries in Makrana, India. Claudia pointedly notes a difference between Indians and Americans. Because most Americans have not been exposed to this beautiful, pure white marble, they generally don’t understand its rarity and value

Joe delivering makrana stone slabs

Makrana marble has three quality levels. The highest grade is pure white and the lowest has dark veins and spots which run through it. The middle is somewhere in between. While many Indians focus on the quality differences in the marble itself, Americans seem to be more concerned with the carving— for example, the fineness of a face or the accuracy of hands.

Generally, I don’t see the beauty in the pure white stone either. I was taught by my mother that flaws are what make things unique and beautiful. Flaws make character. Perhaps Claudia’s theory is right. I am an American. However, if I had to choose between a great carving in pure white Makrana versus the same carving in second or third grade, I’d be at the pure white.

Makrana stone