alabaster

In the ancient days, Alabaster was calcite. Present day alabaster is gypsum.

The ancient alabaster is as hard as nails. It is also known as oriental alabaster. Being a carbonate, it gives off lots of tiny bubbles when treated with hydrochloric acid. Present day alabaster is so soft, it can be easily scratched, but it is unaffected by hydrochloric acid.

Why the fascination with alabaster?
It was used in the ancient days to make precious bottles for perfumes. It was believed that these alabaster jars preserved these precious perfumes.

In Egypt, alabaster was used to make jars for religious purposes.

Thinly cut alabaster was used in churches in Italy, during the Medieval times for windows as these beautiful stones are translucent when thinly cut.

Alabaster gifts are ideal 37th wedding anniversary gifts.