Parchin Kari (Persian: پرچین کاری‎) is a term used on the Indian Subcontinent for the technique of delicately inlaying semi-precious gemstones into marble, to create intricate designs. 

The effect was to create stunning paintings set in stone. 

And the Mughals elevated this to an artform, through the numerous monuments that they built. 

The most famous example is the Taj Mahal of Agra, where you can still see colourful stones glistening in white marble.