The predominant color of the marble used in the Taj Mahal is white.
The mausoleum’s principal building is faced with ivory-white marble, giving it the luminous appearance for which it is famous. The marble was largely sourced from Makrana in present-day Rajasthan, a region renowned for high-quality white stone. Its surface was polished and decorated with carved details and colored stone inlay.
White does not mean the entire complex is made from one uniform material. Red sandstone appears prominently in the surrounding gateway, mosque, guest house and other structural elements. Semi-precious stones were also inserted into the marble using pietra dura techniques to create floral and calligraphic designs.
The monument can appear cream, pink, gray or golden depending on daylight, weather, pollution and viewing angle. Those changing tones sometimes lead people to choose another color, but they do not alter the basic description of the building’s predominant marble. Pollution has also caused concern about yellowing and staining, prompting conservation measures.