diff --git a/code/modules/mining/equipment/marker_beacons.dm b/code/modules/mining/equipment/marker_beacons.dm
index 410a83af261..065fff37e43 100644
--- a/code/modules/mining/equipment/marker_beacons.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mining/equipment/marker_beacons.dm
@@ -95,7 +95,8 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_INIT(marker_beacon_colors, list(
 
 /obj/structure/marker_beacon/examine(mob/user)
 	. = ..()
-	. += "<span class='notice'>Alt-click to select a color. Current color is [picked_color].</span>"
+	if(picked_color)
+		. += "<span class='notice'>Alt-click to select a color. Current color is [picked_color].</span>"
 
 /obj/structure/marker_beacon/update_icon()
 	while(!picked_color || !GLOB.marker_beacon_colors[picked_color])