alabaster etymology

Etymology:

• From Old French alabastre, from Medieval Latin alabastrum, from Latin alabaster, from Greek alabastos, from Egyptian ḥry-ḥbw ("container for ointment").

Meaning:

• A fine-grained, translucent variety of gypsum, typically white or cream-colored, used for making ornamental objects or architectural details.

Origin:

alabaster is native to Egypt, where it was used for making vessels to hold precious oils and cosmetics. It was also used in ancient Greece and Rome for making sculptures, architectural ornaments, and jewelry.

Usage:

alabaster is still used today for making decorative objects, such as vases, figurines, and lamps. It is also used in architecture, both for interior and exterior decoration, such as in the columns of the Parthenon in Athens.

Interesting facts:

• The largest known piece of alabaster is the Altar of Zeus at Pergamon, which is over 100 feet long.
• alabaster is a relatively soft stone, so it is easy to carve and shape.
• The translucent quality of alabaster makes it ideal for use in lamps, as it allows the light to pass through it.

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