(n.) A compact variety or sulphate of lime, or gypsum, of
fine texture, and usually white and translucent, but sometimes yellow,
red, or gray. It is carved into vases, mantel ornaments, etc.
(n.) A hard, compact variety of carbonate of lime, somewhat
translucent, or of banded shades of color; stalagmite. The name is used
in this sense by Pliny. It is sometimes distinguished as oriental
alabaster.
(n.) A box or vessel for holding odoriferous ointments, etc.;
-- so called from the stone of which it was originally made.
