White Marble Buyers, Beware: The Secret No One Tells You Until It's Too Late
There is a rising concern in the world of architecture, design, and homebuilding that demands urgent attention, a growing malpractice in the marble industry, and the deliberate mislabelling of stones.
Too often, homeowners and designers are assured they are purchasing premium marble, only to later discover that what was installed is an entirely different, and often inferior, material. What begins as a dream design decision can quickly turn into a frustrating journey marked by dull surfaces, patchy finishes, and disappointing long-term performance, all telltale signs that the stone was not what it was promised to be.
This issue goes beyond isolated incidents. In India, especially, premium-sounding names are frequently misused. Stones are renamed, their origins obscured, and lower-grade substitutes are passed off at luxury prices.
A striking example is the misuse of the name "Michelangelo." True Michelangelo marble, originally known as Estremoz, comes from Portugal and is known for its elegance and durability. However, many buyers unknowingly receive lookalikes such as Namibian White or other dolomites, which do not deliver the same quality, resilience, or heritage.
The mislabelling of marble not only misleads buyers but also erodes trust in an industry that should be rooted in craftsmanship, authenticity, and material truth. Greater awareness, transparency, and accountability are urgently needed both from sellers and within the design ecosystem to protect buyers and preserve the integrity of great design.
Chapter of Design
www.chapterofdesign.com
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
MathWorks Automotive Conference India 2025 Showcased Advancements in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Software-Defined Vehicles, and Electrification
BusinessWire India Pune (Maharashtra) [India], July 30: MathWorks, the leading developer of mathematical computing software, successfully concluded the MathWorks Automotive Conference 2025 today in Pune. Automotive professionals, engineers, and industry leaders from across the country gathered to explore the latest technological advancements and engineering challenges facing the automotive industry. The sessions focused on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), software-defined vehicles (SDVs), electrification, virtual engineering, AI-driven engineered systems, and a technology showcase with MathWorks customers and engineering experts. Sameer Prabhu, Worldwide Industry Marketing Director, MathWorks, delivered a keynote entitled "Driving the Future: Transformational Changes in the Automotive Industry". The presentation highlighted how leveraging cross-industry trends and systematically applying models and data throughout the development process and ecosystem can accelerate the transformation of the automotive industry. "The MathWorks Automotive Conference 2025 brought together pioneering minds who are redefining the future of mobility," said Prabhu. "With a strong focus on Software-Defined Vehicles, Electrification and Virtual Engineering, Automated Driving, and AI in Engineering, this event was a powerful platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. It's exciting to see the engineering community collaborate with tools and engage in opportunities that accelerate innovation and drive meaningful progress." The event also featured a panel discussion titled "Streamlining Automotive Software Complexity," where industry leaders Deepti Sapliga from Cummins India, Himadri Bhushan from Electra EV, Ritesh Goyal from KPIT, and Geetanjali Khot from Tata Motors shared insights on managing the growing intricacies of modern automotive systems. The agenda included 12 technical talks covering various topics, such as ADAS, Vehicle Design and Validation, Software Defined Vehicles, Model-Based Design, AI, Autonomous Driving. MathWorks engineers led six sessions addressing key automotive challenges and showcasing advancements in automotive software featuring representation from Daimler Trucks Innovation Center India, Bosch Global Software Technologies, Mahindra, The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Vitesco, and KPIT. These top engineering experts offered insights on navigating ADAS on Indian roads, enhancing vehicle design, accelerating SDV development using Model-Based Design, validating autonomous driving at scale, testing chassis control systems, and building software factories for rapid automotive software delivery. Other key conference highlights included: - A joint presentation by MapMyIndia and MathWorks on building reliable ADAS algorithms, highlighting the role of high-definition mapping in enhancing the reliability and performance of ADAS technologies. - Team Kratos Racing, winner of Formula Bharat 2025 in the electric category, brought its Formula Student car to the event. Team members showcased the vehicle and demonstrated the Model-Based Design workflows they had adopted using MathWorks tools. Two exclusive executive roundtables brought together senior leaders, industry experts, and academicians to exchange insights on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in the automotive sector.
The Wire
a day ago
- The Wire
Annual DHL Express ‘Rakhi Express' Campaign Offers Discounts on International Shipments, Starting at INR 3,099* All Inclusive
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India – Business Wire India • The discount will be valid until 9 August 2025 • The discounted rate starts from INR 3,099* on international rakhi and gift shipments and INR 250 on domestic shipments. • The offer is available for international shipments at over 700 DHL Express and Blue Dart retail outlets and via the DHL India website DHL Express, the global leader in international express logistics, has launched its annual festive offering 'Rakhi Express', bridging distances and helping customers celebrate the cherished bond of Raksha Bandhan with their family. The initiative offers attractive discounts, with a flat fee starting from INR 3,099* on international Rakhi and gift shipments. The offer is valid across DHL's robust network of 700 retail outlets nationwide and on its official website, until 9 August 2025. Customers choosing to avail the offer in-store simply need to use the PROMO code *RAKHIGIFTS* while booking their shipment at the store. Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between siblings, specifically the love and protection that each sibling offers to the other. In today's interconnected world, families are often separated by borders due to academic pursuits, professional commitments, or lifestyle choices, making it challenging to celebrate festivals like Raksha Bandhan together. DHL Express aims to connect families celebrating the festival through 'Rakhi Express'. Commenting on the initiative, Sandeep Juneja, Vice President – Commercial, DHL Express India, said, "At DHL, trade and connecting people are what we do best. During festivals like Raksha Bandhan, we want each of our customers to enjoy the nostalgia of 'home' even if they cannot be physically present with their loved ones. Every Raksha Bandhan, 'Rakhi Express' becomes a bridge of love for families separated by distance. This year, we have an exciting offer where international shipments can be shipped starting at INR 3,099*. With Rakhi Express, we aim to deliver excellence, but also joy, love, and the memories associated with the festival straight to our customers' doorsteps across the globe." DHL Express' global network, covering over 220 countries and territories, ensures fast and reliable deliveries with end-to-end shipment visibility. Customers can track their packages, receive timely SMS and email updates, and also leverage services like on demand delivery to have more control over how their shipments are delivered to them, ensuring a smooth delivery experience. To inquire about this offer, customers can contact DHL Express via the toll-free number 1800 30 345, visit the enquiry page or visit the DHL website to get a quote and book a shipment online. *T&C Apply DHL – The logistics company for the world DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as 'The logistics company for the world'. DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 84.2 billion euros in 2024. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050. For more information, visit: Follow us on @DHLExpressIndia To View the Image, Click on the Link Below: (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire India and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI
Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business Standard
Cropnosys India Private Limited and ISAP India Foundation Celebrate Milestone in Farmer Empowerment through 'Profit Pathways' Initiative
BusinessWire India Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 26: Cropnosys (India) Private Limited, in collaboration with ISAP India Foundation, hosted a Project Reflection Event in Lucknow to mark a major milestone in their joint initiative, Profit Pathways: Enhancing Farm Income through Input Efficiency and Market Linkages. The event celebrated the significant success in empowering smallholder farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture across Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh. The event brought together farmers, field practitioners, institutional experts, donors, and representatives from key government and research organizations for high-level discussions on the learnings, impact, and way forward for the initiative. "At Cropnosys, we believe inclusive growth begins at the grassroots. 'Profit Pathways' was our commitment to ensuring that farmers not only grow crops, but also grow their incomes," said Gurvinder Singh, Founder & Director. "We're proud of the transformation we've seen in Barabanki and are grateful to the community and our implementation partners, ISAP." The project was aligned with national priorities such as Doubling Farmers' Income and global goals under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production). The inauguration featured the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, affirming a shared commitment to inclusive and knowledge-driven growth in the agriculture sector. Initiated in FY 2024-25, the Profit Pathways project was implemented by ISAP India Foundation and supported by Cropnosys India Private Limited. The initiative aimed to empower 1,500 smallholder farmers across three Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) through a multi-pronged strategy focusing on: * Soil Health & Fertilizer Efficiency: Installation of two soil testing units, customized nutrient management plans, and farmer training in soil health regeneration. * Farmer Outreach & Demonstrations: Conducted 37 village-level trainings and supported 410 lead farmers with demonstration plots focused on wheat and menthol. * Value Addition & Market Linkages: Organized buyer-seller meets, facilitated collective sales via FPOs, and installed an upgraded steam distillation unit to improve value addition for menthol crops. * Awareness & Communication: Developed IEC materials including digital guides and videos to promote sustainable agricultural practices and cost-efficiency. These efforts collectively aimed to enhance farmers' profitability by promoting better market access, improved input efficiency, and restored soil productivity. Mr. Gaurav Vats, Director - Agri Services at ISAP, gave an overview of the project journey, key interventions, and observable outcomes, including improved crop yields and farmer incomes. Dr. Sanjay Singh, Director General of the UP Council of Agricultural Research (UPCAR), graced the event as Chief Guest and underscored the importance of collaborative programs that address both agronomic practices and systemic bottlenecks in rural farming ecosystems. Ashish Kumar, Market Development Manager (North India), Cropnosys (India) Private Limited, shared the company's continued commitment to community-centric innovation. He emphasized the importance of knowledge delivery, access to quality inputs, and the creation of robust market ecosystems for the long-term resilience of smallholder farmers. The event also featured a documentary film that offered a vivid glimpse into the transformational stories of participating farmers. Field presentations by Mr. Shubham from ISAP highlighted ground-level impacts, including increased income, higher productivity, and lower input costs. A panel discussion enriched the agenda, featuring agricultural experts such as Dr. Ashwini Kumar Singh from KVK, who elaborated on the role of technical convergence and extension strategies in scaling successful agronomic models. Ms. Tanushree and Mr. Ashish Tiwari of ISAP India Foundation served as the Masters of Ceremony (MCs), smoothly coordinating the sessions and enabling active engagement from diverse stakeholders throughout the day. With the conclusion of Profit Pathways, Cropnosys reaffirms its long-standing commitment to community development and sustainable agriculture and looks forward to scaling similar impact-driven models across other rural geographies in India. As the project concludes its current phase, the Profit Pathways initiative has set the stage for broader adoption of sustainable practices and stronger FPO-based markets. Led by ISAP India Foundation and supported by Cropnosys (India) Private Limited, the initiative remains closely aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047--transforming Indian agriculture to be more resilient, equitable, and future-ready.
