White Alabaster, a precious stone, has been used for centuries in sculpture, jewelry, and decorative art. White Alabaster has many meanings and properties, as well as fascinating facts about its origins.
This article takes an in-depth look at: what White Alabaster signifies, how it’s used, and why it’s so special.
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What Is White Alabaster?
White alabaster is a translucent, white form of gypsum. Often found in Egypt, it has been used for centuries to create ornate sculptures and furniture. Its softness makes it ideal for carving intricate designs and its milky hue gives objects an elegant look.
Alabaster is composed primarily of calcium sulfate, which forms from evaporation of seawater. It has a hardness rating between 1.5-2 on the Mohs scale (talc having 1 as the softest). There are several types of alabaster including Egyptian alabaster, which can range in color from off-white to pink depending on impurities; Mexican onyx-alabaster, which ranges from yellowish tan to red; and calcite alabaster, which comes in various shades of grey.
History Of White Alabaster
White alabaster has been used since ancient times, mainly in Egypt. The evolution of alabaster use can be traced back to the 4th millennium BCE when it was first mined and crafted into various works of art as well as practical items such as vessels and jewelry. Alabaster also became a valuable trading commodity throughout the Middle East during this period.
Today white alabasters are still widely valued for their beauty and versatility. It continues to be used in both art and architecture, with many iconic monuments featuring impressive pieces made from stone. For example, the Luxor Obelisk at Place de la Concorde in Paris is adorned with two alabaster sphinxes that have stood there since 1836.
White Alabaster Meaning
As well as being beautiful, it also has various spiritual meanings associated with it. For instance, some believe that wearing white alabaster brings peace and calmness while others associate it with protection from negative energy. Plus, many cultures believe that white alabaster helps them connect more deeply with their inner selves and communicate better with higher powers.
Physical Properties Of White Alabaster
White alabaster is a mineral belonging to the group of gypsum, composed mostly of calcium sulfate. It’s characterized by its soft texture and even-toned white hue, which can sometimes have yellow or pinkish tints. Its hardness on the Mohs scale ranges from 1.5 to 2.0, making it one of the softer minerals found in nature.
White alabaster has long been used for sculpting and modeling due to its malleability; ancient Egyptians were known to carve intricate sculptures out of this material that could be seen adorning tombs and temples across their lands. Today it remains popular among craftspeople who work with stone and sculpture, but also as an ornamental form of decoration in homes
Benefits Of White Alabaster
White alabaster is thought to have metaphysical properties and benefits. It is believed that vessels made from white alabaster are capable of aiding in the manifestation of one’s intentions, improving focus, increasing creativity, and sparking the imagination. The craft of making vessels from this fine-grained massive type of Alabaster has been around for centuries. In combination with its spiritual properties, it can be used as an aid for personal growth and emotional healing.
It can also promote balance within oneself by connecting one to their higher self and allowing better communication between the physical form and the spirit realm. Using a combination of white alabaster pieces or objects crafted from it can help foster awareness in matters such as relationships, understanding, forgiveness, courage, and strength. Furthermore, it helps empower the user to take action in life’s journey while helping bring clarity to decisions and choices that need to be made.
Uses Of White Alabaster
White alabaster is a versatile material that has been used for various purposes throughout history. One of its most common uses is in jewelry-making. Alabaster is a soft stone that is easy to carve, making it perfect for creating intricate designs. It is also a beautiful material that has a smooth, translucent appearance, making it an attractive option for jewelry.
In addition to its use in jewelry, it is also highly regarded in metaphysical practices. It is believed to have powerful healing properties, including the ability to calm the mind and promote a sense of peace and tranquility. Many people use it in meditation and spiritual practices, as it is believed to enhance intuition and aid in spiritual development.
Proper Care Of White Alabaster
White alabaster is a beautiful, soft stone that can be used to create art and sculptures. It has many unique properties that require special care for its preservation.
To ensure the longevity of white alabaster items, it’s important to keep them away from direct sunlight and humidity if possible. Additionally, abrasive cleaning products should not be used on pieces made with this material – instead use only warm water and mild soap when necessary. Finally, any scratches or chips on the surface of an item should be immediately filled with resin to prevent further damage.
Are White Alabasters Rare?
Today, it is not particularly rare. However, some types are harder to find than others depending on where they come from or how much labor was involved in creating them. For example, carved pieces created with ancient techniques may be difficult to source as there aren’t many craftsmen who work with these methods anymore. Similarly, certain colors of Italian alabaster like blue and green have become increasingly hard to find over time due to changes in production processes and quarrying practices
White Alabasters have long been used in ornamental carving and jewelry making. The most common type of white alabaster comes from the quarries of Tuscany, Italy and it’s known as Tuscan Alabaster. Oriental Alabaster can also be found in India and the Middle East. Ancient alabasters were often kept as treasured items by their owners due to their rarity.
How To Tell If White Alabaster Is Real?
White alabaster is a relatively soft stone, and it can be scratched or damaged easily. Thus, if you’re not sure about the authenticity of a piece of white alabaster, it’s recommended to seek the advice of an expert or have it tested before buying or using it for a project. By doing so, you can make sure that you’re using genuine white alabaster and can appreciate its unique properties and beauty.
It’s important to note that real alabaster is relatively soft and can be easily scratched or damaged. If you’re unsure about the authenticity of a piece of white alabaster, it’s best to consult an expert or have it tested before making a purchase or using it for a project.
Zodiac Birthstone
White alabaster is not an official birthstone for any zodiac sign. Birthstones are typically associated with a person’s birth month, and alabaster is not one of the traditional birthstones for any month. However, some people believe that white alabasters have spiritual properties that can benefit people born under certain zodiac signs.
According to some astrologers, white alabaster is a beneficial stone for people born under the sign of Pisces. This is because Pisces is associated with spiritual and mystical qualities, and white alabaster is believed to promote inner peace and clarity. However, it’s important to note that the use of birthstones and their associated properties is largely based on personal belief and should be approached with an open mind and a healthy dose of skepticism.
Final Thoughts
White alabaster is a beautiful stone that has been valued for centuries. It has many properties and meanings, making it an interesting choice for jewelry or decorations. Its origins are steeped in history, with the ancient Egyptians using white alabaster to create decorative artifacts.
The metaphysical properties of this stone can bring benefits such as emotional healing and calming energies. White alabasters are not particularly rare, but there are other varieties available such as pink or yellow alabaster which may be harder to find.
When searching for real white alabaster one should look out for certain characteristics such as its soft texture and light coloration. In conclusion, white alabaster’s significance stretches back centuries due to its beauty, properties, and meaning-making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a little extra something to their life!
FAQs
Why is alabaster so expensive?
The process of quarrying alabaster is expensive, and a significant amount of material goes to waste.
Does water damage alabaster?
The primary weakness of alabaster is its solubility in water, therefore, it’s crucial to avoid using water or water-based solutions for cleaning alabaster.
Who uses alabaster as jewelry?
Individuals who are attracted to alabaster jewelry might have a fascination for distinctive and non-traditional gemstones, or they may have an appreciation for the intricate designs and expert artistry involved in crafting these exceptional pieces.
Chermaine’s journey into the world of gemstones and crystals began as a child, collecting shimmering stones on family vacations. Today, she’s a certified gemologist and spiritual healer, intertwining the physical beauty of jewels with their metaphysical properties.
Chermaine has traveled to mines in Africa, marketplaces in India, and spiritual retreats in Bali, always seeking to deepen her understanding.