Since the Middle Ages the term alabaster has been applied to a compact variety or sulphate of lime, or gypsum, of a fine texture, and usually white and translucent, but sometimes yellow, red, or grey. It is carved into vases, mantel ornaments, etc. In ancient times the term alabaster was applied to a hard, compact variety of carbonate of lime (onyx), somewhat translucent, or of banded shades of colour. A variety of carbonate of lime, closely resembling alabaster in appearance, is used for similar purposes under the name of Oriental alabaster. It is usually stalagmitic or stalactitic in origin and is often of a yellowish colour. It may be distinguished from true alabaster by being too hard to be scratched with the nail. Research Alabaster
In architecture a mantel is the finish around a fireplace, covering the chimney-breast in front and sometimes on both sides. The term is especially applied to a shelf above the fireplace, and its supports. The mantelpiece or mantelshelf as it was formerly known was originally designed as a shelf for hanging clothes from so as to dry them from the heat of the fire. Research Mantel
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Alabaster
