ALABASTER: Gypsum. It is not marble, which is a calcium carbonate, whereas gypsum is a calcium sulfate. Actually, alabaster is hydrated calcium sulfate (CaSo42H2O), a crystalline form of gypsum. Fine-grained, usually gray, white or pink in color or streaked with reddish brown, its softness makes it easily carved but also easily broken, soiled, and weathered. Alabaster is a relatively soft stone, which measures 2.5 on the Mohs scale, granite measures 6.5. Alabaster is extremely heat sensitive. Once the stone reaches a temperature of 187 degrees, the water (the H2O part) in the crystal begins to evaporate.
Alabaster is somewhat translucent and sometimes beautifully banded. Iron, copper and other minerals native to the deposits in the United States were introduced in solution, giving the stone its exquisite colors, which distinguish the Colorado alabaster from other deposits. Each vein of alabaster has its own unique color and characteristics according to the area from which it is quarried. The largest deposits of the white translucent type of alabaster used in lighting fixtures are located near Zaragoza, Spain. Like many materials we assume are recent discoveries, alabaster has been around for a very long time. In fact, ancient Egyptian alabaster carvings are on display at the Metropolitan Museum in New York as well as many others. Imagine! Cleopatra might have poured wine for Mark Antony from an alabaster vessel. The ancient Chinese and Greeks also carved alabaster; modern Greeks still use it for floor tiles.
Quarried in England and Italy as well, it is still used to make statuary and other decorative objects. Like other stones it can be carved and sculpted, but the larger pieces of alabaster are usually worked in more of a woodworking than a lapidary process. It takes an expert stonecutter using a combination of centuries-old and cutting edge techniques to work the stones with the least amount of waste.
Metaphysical Properties:
- This stone is reputed to show one how to be forgiving, enhances the skills employed for providing service to man, provides maturity and bestows composure during times of stress.
