ALABASTER

name applied to two species of mineral extensively used as a white translucent decorative stone in arch., and for figures, vases, etc. The ancients employed a carbonate of lime deposited from calcareous water for sarcophagi, jars, perfume vases, etc. It is worked chiefly in Egypt and Mexico. At the present day the term is used for a ‘fine-grained variety of gypsum, out of which are carved the figures, clocks, vases, and divers ornaments which are a characteristic feature of the shops in Florence, Pisa, and other Tuscan towns.