Characteristics of Alabaster:

Chemical Name: Calcium sulphate dihydrate

Formula: CaSO4 2H2O

Colors: Colorless, white, yellow, light brown

Structure: Monoclinic

Hardness: 2

Specific Gravity: 2.3

Refractive Index: 1.52-1.53

Lustre: Subvitreous to pearly

Streak: White

Locations: Egypt, Italy

What is Alabaster? 

Fine-grained masses of gypsum are known as Alabaster. The origin of the word is probably Middle East, but is ultimately derived from Greek alabastos, a term referring to a vase made of Alabaster. Alabaster vessels called a-labaste were widely used by worshippers of the goddess Bast in ancient Egypt, which may also reflect the origin of the name. Alabaster has been carved into ornaments, containers, and even utensils, for thousands of years, and it is sometimes made to look more like marble by heat-treating it to reduce translucency.