EGYPTIAN ALABASTER

Quarry Site and Nomenclature

Egyptian Alabaster, quarried in the ancient Hatnub region of Egypt, is commercially known as ‘Onyx’ or more commonly as ‘Water Marble’ due to its extensive use in bath structures. Italian stonemasons referred to it as ‘Alabastro Egiziano.’

Technical Characteristics

Classified as ‘Calcite Alabaster,’ it is a chemically-originated sedimentary rock. It displays natural veining in white, opaque, and translucent light yellow or amber hues. Soft and easy to carve, it is characterized by attractive horizontal lines and crystal veins.

Usage Area

This natural stone has been used since ancient times in tombs, temples, statues, vases, bowls, and other artifacts. During the Roman Empire, it was exported to Mediterranean countries as a decorative material for columns, capitals, and other architectural elements in villas, churches, and other public buildings. Notably, it was used extensively for the interior wall cladding of Hagia Sophia.