Alabastrian

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. A fine-grained, translucent mineral or rock composed primarily of gypsum or calcite, typically white or pale in color and historically valued for ornamental carving and sculpture
2. A translucent mineral variant, primarily consisting of gypsum, which is prized for its softness and has been historically favored in artistic and decorative crafts
3. A smooth, often white or pale mineral primarily made of gypsum that has been esteemed for its use in sculpture and decorative items

Etymology: "Alabastrian" is an alternative form of "alabastrine," meaning pale in color, like the smooth, translucent stone it is named after. The root is alabaster, a fine-grained gypsum or calcite stone that has been carved into vases, figures and ornaments since antiquity. The stone's name came from Greek "alabastros," the word for the perfume or ointment flasks made from it, so the vessel gave its name to the material rather than the other way round. The adjective is built on that noun by adding "-ine," a suffix meaning "of the nature of" or "resembling," as in "feminine" or "marine." "Alabastrine" thus describes something having the look of alabaster, and the variant "alabastrian" follows the same pattern with the "-ian" ending, which is also used to form adjectives meaning "pertaining to" or "like."