How can you tell if it alabaster?

Answer 1

To determine if a stone is alabaster, look for its distinctive characteristics: it is usually translucent, with a smooth, waxy feel and can appear in shades of white, cream, or light pastel colors. You can also test its hardness; alabaster is relatively soft, scoring around 2 on the Mohs scale, which means it can be scratched with a fingernail. Additionally, you can examine its texture—true alabaster has a fine grain and may display a slight sheen when polished. If you're uncertain, consulting a gemologist or using tools like a hardness test kit can provide further confirmation.