Alabaster
Alabaster
A massive form of gypsum; very fine grained; commonly snow-white and translucent but may be delicately shaded or tinted with light-colored tones. Because of its softness, it can be easily carved and polished. Widely used for ornamental purposes. Chemically it is CaSO4.2H2O. It is a beautifully banded form of stalagmitic calcite occurring in Algeria and in Egypt