What is Alabaster?
Alabaster is a form of gypsum. It is a crystalline mineral, hydrated calcium sulfate (CaSo42H2O). Spain is the source for most high quality alabaster today. Alabaster occurs naturally in a variety of colors, like marble. But, the type used in lighting is white with beige or taupe veins and inclusions. Pieces used for lamp bases and other small parts might be cut from lower quality, less translucent stone.
Alabaster is a term which is used to refer to two forms of calcium. Both are characterized by being creamy to snow white in color, and they have been used in carving, ornaments, and ornamental statuary for centuries. The color of alabaster is so memorable that the word is also used to refer to other white objects, which is why romance novels refer to “alabaster bosoms.” Numerous examples of carved alabaster can be found in museums and venerable buildings all over the world. The ancients favored calcite alabaster, a very hard form of calcium carbonate. This stone was originally imported from Egypt, a country which also produced a number of alabaster works of art. It is often found in caverns as a deposited mineral in the form of stalagmites. Modern alabaster is usually gypsum alabaster, or calcium sulfate. Gypsum is much softer than calcite, and it is found extensively in England, where deposits of seawater slowly evaporated over the course of centuries. However, the ancients knew and u
“Alabaster is not a stone, but a mineral–calcium sulphate hydrate,” states Giovanni Nerei, who is the President of the Societa’ Cooperativa Artieri Alabastro. The Co-Operative Society was founded in 1895 and now has sixty (60) master carvers who represent the history and the handicraft know-how working in Volterra, continuing their unique artistic tradition. These Volterra artisans are divided by specializing in milling, squaring, ornaments, animals and sculpture. All of the carving is by hand, with lovely objects such as centerpieces, candlestick holders, ornamental bowls, clocks, picture frames, elaborate urns and the sculptured busts that seem to come alive! “The only enemy of alabaster is water”, says Mr. Nerei. Be sure that you never use it for foods or liquids, but wipe it occasionally with clear oil, and it will last another millennium. The oval blocks of the various types of alabaster are cut, divided and carved according to the required article. It is very interesting to obse
