Working of an
alabaster stone
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The age of alabaster...
The alabaster in the hills in and around Volterra (city of alabaster) has been quarried for centuries; large quantities were already being used in Etruscan-Roman times for making little cinerary urns, which were often of particular artistic value.
We find alabaster becoming very popular again at the beginning of the Middle Ages, it then went completely out of fashion until interest in it was revived once more around the middle of the Sixteenth century, when it was "rediscovered" by some of the most important sculptors of the period; this was due to the fact that this material is exceptionally easy to carve and it was therefore used for carrying out a great varity of works of especial value, like tabernacles, vase, candlestick, jars, etc. In the centuries that followed, there was a tendency to use this material for articles of day-to-day use (chandeliers, lamps, chess).
Alabaster is extracted from beneath the ground and is frequently found in oval shaped blocks (infact they are called "ovoli"); its chemical formation is sulphate of calcium hydroxide (CoSo4+2H2O) and its hardness ranges between 3 and 4 on the Mohs scale. There are 3 coloured varities of the alabaster stone: the absolute whiteness and transparency of the "SCAGLIONE", the whiteness with grey veining of the "Pietra bianca", the grey type called "Bardiglio". There are also the delicate translucent "Agate" with their soft warm amber coloured tones.
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Working of an
alabaster stone
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