Alabaster is a name applied to varieties of two distinct minerals: gypsum hydrous sulfate of calcium; and calcite; a carbonate of calcium. The former is the alabaster of the present day; the latter is generally the alabaster of the ancients.
The two kinds are readily distinguished from each other by their relative hardness. The gypsum kind is so soft as to be readily scratched by a finger-nail (Mohs hardness 1.5 to 2), while the calcite kind is too hard to be scratched in this way (Mohs hardness 3).
The finer kinds of alabaster are largely employed as an ornamental stone, especially for religious decoration and for the rails of staircases, sculpture and as columns in great halls. Its softness enables it to be readily carved into elaborate forms, but its solubility in water renders it inapplicable to outdoor work. Powdered alabaster has been used as a paper filler and paint pigment called mineral white or terra alba.
The purest alabaster is a snow-white material of fine grain. It can also be associated with an oxide of iron, which produces an attractive brown clouding and veining in the stone.
Newcity is ready to manufacture and supply all Alabaster art work shall be requested.