Alabaster vs Marble – Difference and Comparison

What is Alabaster?

Alabaster is a rock that has a soft texture and is mostly used for making decorative items. This type of rock is also used in the preparation of powder for plaster. It is also lightweight which is due to its hollow core. The rock has multipurpose use and advantages.

This type of rock contains a high astrological value. Many astrologers recommend wearing ornaments and pieces of jewelry made up of alabaster due to this reason. The rock is supposed to have benefits on the mind and the body combined. Alabaster is also a medium-range rock that can be afforded easily.

Alabaster has various types. This is why many people get confused and buy a fake types of Alabaster decorations. An ornament made up of real Alabaster is bound to have a larger size ratio and a better shines than a fake alabaster rock. Real Alabaster is also heavier in comparison to a fake alabaster rock.

Alabaster also contains a vital amount of Gypsum. This type of rock has edible properties which are why utensils can be made from Alabaster. Furthermore, this rock is essential in making ornaments for Italians. It is one of the most difficult types of rock to harvest from the ground and has an optimum amount of hardness.

What is Marble?

Marble can be described as a smoother and softer variety of rock used for primarily making statues. This rock has a reflecting nature which makes its surface shine and emits light. Marble is also heavier than most of the rock present in nature.

Marble is a type of metamorphic rock that contains mostly carbonates of calcium and their acidic oxides. This type of rock is mostly made up of crystals which are the reason for its reflection. Many individuals prefer to construct their flooring from marbles. However, it is not comfortable for someone to walk on marble without shoes or slippers.

It is primarily white even though many shades of white are present. This rock is also available in different colors but only in its raw stage. Marble is formed in the crust of the earth when limestone is excessively heated. This rock is also one of the most expensive rocks found on earth after harvesting.

Countries in which Marble is found include India and Itlay. These rocks emit light from their surface which is why they are used as expensive decoration. Furthermore, it is also very soft due to which it is handled with delicacy and care.

Difference Between Alabaster and Marble

  1. Alabaster is used mainly for decorating purposes while marble is mostly used for making beautiful statues.
  2. Alabaster can be used for making utensils that you can eat whereas marble cannot be used as utensils.
  3. Alabaster has a lot of astrological importance whereas Marble does not have much astrological importance.
  4. Alabaster is soft and weighs lightly whereas Marble is a softer rock and weighs more.
  5. Alabaster is less costly in price whereas Marble is much more costly in price

Comparison Between Alabaster and Marble

Parameters of ComparisonAlabasterMarble
MeaningAlabaster is a type of rock used in the manufacturing of powder for plasterMarble is a type of rock that is soft and smooth
BenefitsAlabaster is known to have spiritual effects on the body and mindMarble can be used to build beautiful statues
WeightAlabaster is lighterMarble is heavier
CostAlabaster is less costly Marble is extremely costly
TextureAlabaster has a soft textureMarble has a smooth texture

References

  1. https://www.osti.gov/etdeweb/servlets/purl/21329977