Buying Granite and Marble Direct from Rajasthan | Is it worth it?

Whether you’re planning a new home or designing your office, you’ll definitely come across a common piece of advice – ‘Go to Rajasthan for the best granite and marble.’

But is that really true? Is travelling to Rajasthan in the hunt for these natural stones really worth it?

In this article, we explore whether sourcing granite and marble from Rajasthan is truly beneficial compared to buying from local suppliers. We analyse Rajasthan’s stone industry, pricing, variety, risks, and logistical challenges while comparing it with the convenience and reliability of local sourcing.

Why is Rajasthan Popular for Granite and Marble?

1. Wide Variety

Rajasthan is one of the leading producers of natural stones such as granite, marble, and Kota stone. Cities like Kishangarh, Jalore, Makrana, and Udaipur are known for their active mines. The abundance of stone is owed to the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan, one of the oldest mountain ranges. 

2. An Established Quarry-to-Processing Ecosystem

Most quarries have a processing unit set up in a very close proximity. There’s a well-established ecosystem functioning right from the extraction to processing, finishing, and selling of the granites and marbles.

3. Flexibility in Customisation

Due to the large processing machinery and setup, there’s always a flexibility to customise. From sizes ranging in slabs, tiles, gangawa slabs and granite blocks, to the finishes from shiny polished to matte honed, buyers can seek stone per their requirements.

Stones of Rajasthan

Before we dive into the pros and cons of sourcing from Rajasthan, let’s look at a few of the top varieties of granites and marbles along with their cost.

Top Granite Varieties of Rajasthan

Granite	Image	Price (₹ / sq. ft.)	Chat Link	Get Instant Price	Common Application
Rajasthan Black		₹80 – ₹110/sq. ft.	Chat Now	Exact Price	Kitchen countertops, waterbodies, paving, etc.
Lakha Red		₹110 – ₹150/sq. ft.	Chat Now	Exact Price	Staircase, kitchen countertops, monuments, wall cladding, etc.
Cheema Pink		₹85 – ₹120/sq. ft.	Chat Now	Exact Price	Vanity tops, flooring, outdoor paving, etc.
S White		₹110 – ₹150/sq.ft	Chat Now	Exact Price	Monuments, wall cladding, bathroom vanities, etc.
Desert Brown		₹90 – ₹130/sq. ft.	Chat Now	Exact Price	Kitchen countertops, flooring, outdoor paving, wall cladding, planters, etc.

A Few Popular Marbles from Rajasthan 

Marble	Image	Price (₹ / sq. ft.)	Chat Link	Get Instant Price	Common Application
Makrana Pure White		₹450 – ₹900/sq. ft.	Chat Now	Exact Price	Temple interiors, flooring, staircase, sculptures, fountains, etc.
Flowery Gold Marble		₹130 – ₹200/sq. ft.	Chat Now	Exact Price	Living room flooring, fireplace surrounds, feature columns, etc.
Udaipur Green		₹90 – ₹140/sq. ft.	Chat Now	Exact Price	Staircase, countertops, window sills, tabletops, etc.
Banswara Purple		₹160 – ₹250/sq. ft.	Chat Now	Exact Price	Kitchen countertops, vanity tops, wall cladding, etc.
Rainforest Gold Marble		₹170 – ₹280/sq. ft.	Chat Now	Exact Price	Feature walls, luxury interiors, commercial lobbies, etc.

Is Sourcing from Rajasthan Always a Good Idea?

Rajasthan is home to over 100 types of marbles and granites. Each district offers a unique natural stone. A trip to Rajasthan to source granite and marble offers access to an extensive range of these stones in customised sizes and surface finishes. You can pick amongst blocks, slabs, tiles and buy the desired size in thickness as per your requirement.

Furthermore, the stone is directly quarried and processed near the mines. This setup offers high-quality stones at comparatively low prices. Sourcing from Rajasthan is thus an ideal choice for large-scale projects.

Now, let’s weigh the risks involved in sourcing from Rajasthan.

The Hidden Risks 

1. Challenges of Sourcing

The wide range can be challenging, especially for first-time buyers. The material selection becomes more time-consuming. As processing units are set near the quarries, one has to travel multiple places to explore the whole variety. 

2. Additional Cost

For the outsiders, buying from Rajasthan leads to additional costs for travel, transportation, breakage, loading, etc.

3. Quality Risk

Sourcing stones from is often associated with the risk of quality unless you’re working with a trusted brand.

Based on the transportation distance, there’s always a chance of quality loss. Improper loading, unloading, and handling errors may lead to chipping of the material, surface damage, and cracks. 

4. Scam Possibility

When sourcing granite or marble from Rajasthan, it is crucial to thoroughly verify the supplier’s credentials to minimise the risk of fraud.

The absence of physical presence may result in variations in the colours, patterns, and inconsistency across the batch. In some cases, buyers may also face challenges such as advance payments being collected without timely dispatch or accountability.

5. Material Shortage

Material shortage raises the challenge of revisiting Rajasthan, adding to the cost. The local supplier may not have the exact tone or pattern of the stone sourced from Rajasthan. 

As a result, the project either incurs additional expenses due to a repeat procurement trip or compromises on design consistency by opting for a similar-looking alternative.

6. Poor After-Service

One of the major drawbacks of sourcing material from Rajasthan is the poor after-sales service, especially with unreliable and unprofessional suppliers. Once the material has been dispatched from the source, there’s no after-sales support or accountability. 

Which means, even if you receive a wrong batch or damaged slabs, the replacement and refund become challenging. Claims for defects or variations are rarely entertained, overall leading to cost overruns and project delays. 

Buying Granite and Marble from Local Suppliers – Pros & Cons

Pros

Sourcing directly from a local supplier is always convenient, as you can choose from the physical samples, and procurement is faster.

Every slab can be inspected personally before purchasing the lot. And post-delivery inspection is convenient, too.

No hidden costs when it comes to materials handling and logistics. 

Faster delivery and smooth coordination before and after purchase. Local stone experts can easily carry out the installation.

In case of a shortage of material, the same grade, shade, and finish can easily be obtained. 

Low risk of breakage or quality loss during transit. Replacement is easier.

Cons

A few suppliers may offer limited inventory compared to the extensive range in Rajasthan. 

The base price of the material may be higher.

The stock variety and availability depend on the supplier’s sourcing network.

You may have to book the stone in advance, especially for the commonly used granites and marbles.

Sourcing From Rajasthan vs Sourcing Locally

Table – Sourcing From Rajasthan vs Sourcing Locally

When Should You Buy Granite and Marble from Rajasthan?

High Volume Requirement

For large-scale projects like commercial plazas, hotels, resorts, etc., demanding a bulk quantity of stone, sourcing from Rajasthan can be considered. High volume helps offset the transportation and handling charges, offering a more economical alternative. 

Consistency in Pattern

If your design demands a consistent colour and pattern across the design, sourcing from Rajasthan may be ideal. Sourcing stone slabs from a single quarry promises better uniformity.

Pro-tip: Always consider buying 10-20% extra material quantity to avoid running short of material. This buffer accounts for the wastage, damages, and miscellaneous requirements.

With an Experienced Buyer

If you’re working with an experienced architect or contractor with prior experience in material sourcing, buying from Rajasthan can be considered. Their expertise will help you partner with trusted suppliers, and they can guide you in the quality checks and logistics.

Cost Breakup – Rajasthan vs Pune

Rajasthan vs Pune – A basic cost break-up

Identifying High-Quality Granite and Marble

Irrespective of your source for the granites and marbles, here are the key properties to look out for to avail the highest-quality:

• The slab thickness must be consistent throughout its span. Varying thicknesses often lead to difficulty in levelling and installation, especially for flooring applications.
• For polished slabs, ensure to check the finishing thoroughly. Simply assess the surface in sunlight or a bright light to analyse the consistency.
• The slabs must not exhibit cracks, chipping, or holes. Even minor cracks may impact the overall strength.
• Check the slab’s porosity with a simple test. Put 3-4 drops of lemon juice on the surface. Immediate absorption indicated high porosity and, hence, poor quality.
• The visual appearance of the slab must exhibit rich natural tones. 

Where to Buy Granite and Marble in Pune?

It’s not practically possible for everyone to visit Rajasthan to buy stones for their dream project. And it’s not always worth the hassle and cost, too. This is where local suppliers come into the picture.

A reliable supplier will offer an unparalleled quality even away from Rajasthan. Let’s look at the tips to choose the right supplier locally.

1. Always check online feedback and reviews. The supplier must have a good rating and consistent positive feedback from the clients.
2. Look for a supplier offering a wide range of granite, marble, and other natural stones. They must give you the options of all the Indian and imported stones to choose from.
3. Prioritise suppliers with years of experience for the best range and grade.
4. Take a quotation from the top suppliers and pick the one offering a competitive price.

When it comes to buying granite and marble in Pune, Oswal Granite/Petros® Stone are one of the most trusted brands. With their base in Rajasthan, they offer an extensive range of granite and marble, including the rare varieties. 

Since they source the stones from their quarries, the intermediary costs are cut-down and the top-notch quality is promised through their quality assurance services. Associating with Petros Stones offers buyers access to Rajasthan-sourced natural stones without the complexity of travelling for procurement.

Key Takeaways

• Project scale determines whether local or Rajasthan stone sourcing is more cost-effective.
• Large projects help reduce overall logistics and transportation costs.
• Always check stone quality, colour consistency, and slab thickness before purchase.
• Choosing a reliable supplier ensures better variety, quality, and convenience.
• Oswal Granite/Petros® Stone offers quality-tested Rajasthan and South Indian stone varieties with advanced processing standards.

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