Crystal Grimoire
Alabaster
Also known as: Egyptian Alabaster, Gypsum Alabaster, Calcite Alabaster
Chakras: Root, Sacral
Zodiac: Pisces, Cancer
Planets: Neptune
Elements: Water
Color: White, cream, translucent
Summary
A soft, often translucent white stone long carved into vessels and sacred objects; traditionally associated with purity, forgiveness, and quiet calm.
Keywords
Often associated with: purity, forgiveness, calm, gentle, soothing, grounding, creativity, meditation, fresh start
Spiritual meaning
In crystal tradition: Often associated with purity and new beginnings, traditionally linked to easing grief and welcoming forgiveness.
Emotional meaning
Often associated with: Traditionally used to soothe an anxious mind and support a gentle release of tension.
Fun facts
Ancient Egyptians shaped alabaster into canopic jars, oil vessels, and lamps prized for the way light glows through its translucent surface; the name is thought to trace back to Alabastron, an ancient Egyptian quarry town.
Care and cleansing
Cleanse with dry methods only: smoke, sound, or moonlight. Gypsum-variety alabaster is water-soluble, so avoid soaking or prolonged water exposure.
History and lore
In history and lore: The Egyptian medical scroll known as the Papyrus Ebers, retold by Bryan in 1930, listed 'Meal-of-Alabaster' with natron, sea-salt and honey in a remedy to beautify the skin, a sticky mass that was anointed on the body.
About the sources
- The Papyrus Ebers, an ancient Egyptian papyrus of about 1550 BC, read here in the English version of Cyril P. Bryan, Demonstrator in Anatomy at University College, London (1930).