The inlay technique, known as Pachchikari or Pietra Dura, is a traditional art form where semi-precious stones are delicately set into marble. Artisans first design intricate floral or geometric patterns and then carve fine grooves on the marble surface. Each stone is hand-cut, shaped, and fitted precisely into the cavities to create colorful and detailed motifs. Finally, the surface is polished smooth, blending marble and stones into a seamless, timeless masterpiece.
Our
Inlay Technique
Zareen Marble Handicrafts
Zareen Marble Handicrafts
Our
Pachchikari Art
| Stone Name | Common Source (city/region) | Used In | Typical Use in Inlay / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lapis Lazuli | Badakhshan (Afghanistan) — imported | Both (Inlay & Imarti) | Deep blue petals, large background panels, high-value highlights |
| Malachite | Imported (DRC, Russia) / traded | Both | Rich green veins for leaves and decorative bands |
| Mother of Pearl | Coastal ports (Mumbai, Chennai) — sourced from shells | Both | Pearly highlights, fine floral details, contrast on white marble |
| Agate | Khambhat / Bhavnagar (Gujarat) — common in India | Both | Striped/varied tones used for petals, borders, outlines |
| Carnelian (Coral) | Khambhat (Gujarat) / imported | Both | Warm orange-red elements, flower centers, accent pieces |
| Jasper | Rajasthan (Bikaner area) / imported | Both | Opaque reds/browns used for background & geometric motifs |
| Onyx | Pakistan / Iran / some Rajasthan sources | Both (often borders) | Black or banded onyx for strong outlines and contrast |
| Turquoise | Iran / Afghanistan — commonly imported | Both | Blue-green highlights for floral or geometric motifs |
| Quartz (rose / clear) | India & imported sources | Both | Translucent pieces for subtle fills and accents |
| Sodalite | Imported (Brazil / Russia) | Both | Deep blue alternative to lapis for accents |
| Amethyst | Imported (Brazil / Uruguay) | Both | Purple tones for small focal elements in designs |
| Tiger's Eye | Imported (South Africa, Brazil) | Both | Chatoyant browns/golds for textured effects |
| Chalcedony | Various (imported / India) | Both | Soft blue/grey fills and subtle background tones |
| Serpentine | Rajasthan / imported | Both | Green shades for foliage and stems |
| Marble (colored varieties) | Makrana (Rajasthan) & other quarries | Both (base + inlay pieces) | Colored marbles used as both base and inlay pieces (reds, blacks, greens) |
| Geodes / Polished stones | Varied / imported | Imarti (often) | Used as larger statement pieces in imarti-style panels |
| Other semi-precious (onyx variants, chalcopyrite, etc.) | Domestic & imported sources | Both | Used depending on color palette needed |