oriental alabaster
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Definition
Noun: 1. A hard, compact variety of calcite: A specific type of stone, also known as onyx marble or Algerian onyx, characterized by its hardness and dense structure. It is a form of calcite (calcium carbonate) used historically for carvings and ornaments.
Usage
- As a material noun: The term is used to refer to the stone itself as a substance or material.
- The ancient vase was carved from a single block of oriental alabaster.
- Sculptors valued oriental alabaster for its translucency and smooth texture.
Advanced Usage
- In art and archaeology: The term is often used in descriptions of historical artifacts, architecture, and decorative arts to specify the material.
- The museum's collection includes several Mesopotamian cylinder seals made of oriental alabaster.
Variants and Related Words
- Onyx marble: A synonym for oriental alabaster.
- Algerian onyx: Another term for the same material, often referencing its source.
- Calcite: The mineral species to which oriental alabaster belongs.
- Alabaster (calcium sulfate variety): A related but distinct soft mineral (gypsum) also used for carving. It is crucial to distinguish between the hard calcite "oriental alabaster" and the softer gypsum "alabaster."
Synonyms
- Onyx marble
- Algerian onyx
Notes on Meaning
- Primary Meaning: The term specifically denotes a hard, banded form of calcite. It is not the same as the more common, softer alabaster made of gypsum.
- Contextual Clarification: In modern contexts, the word "alabaster" alone typically refers to the soft gypsum variety. Therefore, "oriental alabaster" is used for precision to specify the hard calcite type.
Noun
- a hard compact kind of calcite