White marble originates primarily from Carrara, Italy, and Gansu, China, with significant deposits also found in Turkey and Proconnesi, Italy. These regions are renowned for high-quality white marble due to their unique geological conditions. Carrara, a mountain town in Tuscany, has been the world’s leading source of white marble since ancient Roman times. The marble there is prized for its purity and fine grain, formed from the metamorphosis of quartzite in the Apennine Mountains. Gansu Province in China, located in the Qaidam Basin, produces large quantities of white marble, often used in construction and decorative arts. Turkey’s Taurus Mountains and Proconnesi Island in Italy (near Turkey) also supply high-quality white marble, though in smaller volumes compared to Carrara and Gansu.

The dominance of Carrara and Gansu in global white marble production stems from their geological and historical significance. Carrara’s marble has been documented since the Roman Republic era, with historical records indicating it was used for structures like the Pantheon and Michelangelo’s David. Geologically, the region’s marble is formed from the metamorphism of sandstone under intense heat and pressure, resulting in consistent color and texture. As of 2022, Carrara contributed approximately 70% of the world’s white marble exports, according to the International Marble Association. Gansu’s marble production has surged in recent decades, driven by large-scale mining operations in the Qaidam Basin. The basin’s vast deposits, rich in calcium carbonate, enable annual production exceeding 1 million metric tons, representing about 15% of global supply. Turkey’s white marble, particularly from the Taurus Mountains, accounts for roughly 10% of global output, valued for its affordability and durability. Proconnesi’s marble, though less voluminous, is notable for its fine veining and historical ties to Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. These regions’ enduring relevance in the marble industry underscores their geological uniqueness and long-standing mining traditions.