What material was used on the exterior of the pyramids to reflect sunlight?

• A. Reflective limestone
• B. Gold veneer on top
• C. Sandstone blocks
• D. Basalt

Answer: (A)

The exterior brightness of the pyramids came from a smooth, reflective limestone casing. High-quality white limestone, often from the Tura quarries, was cut into thin casing stones and applied over the brick or core structure. When freshly cut and polished, this surface would gleam brilliantly in the sun, making the pyramids stand out across the desert.

Gold veneer on top would be impractical and unnecessary, and the common building material for the core was sandstone blocks rather than a reflective surface. Basalt isn’t used for exterior reflectivity on pyramids. The polished limestone casing is the material that would reflect sunlight and give the pyramids their iconic bright appearance.