A modern uplighter lamp made from Italian alabaster (white and brown types). The base is 5 inches (13 cm) in diameter

Alabaster vase of Tutankhamun

Alabaster is a name applied to varieties of two distinct minerals. Gypsum is a hydrous sulfate of calcium, and calcite is a carbonate of calcium. Gypsum is the alabaster of the present day; calcite is generally the alabaster of the ancients. Both are easy to work. They are attractive to look at. Both have been used for making a variety of artworks and objects, especially small carvings.