Besides these, there are other variations: the yellow one (very rare), and the gray-green one (which is not transparent). white alabaster as well can be either transparent or opaque. while the former is particularly suitable for vases, lamps, and plates, the latter is suitable for real sculptures. Also, the famous Etruscan urns are made out of opaque alabaster which is found at lower depths.
Since alabaster is not a hard stone, the traditional tools used for its working are quite similar to the ones used by wood carvers. The finishing touch on the surface of the article sculptured, is somewhat unique. By passing some abrasive pulp on it, one gets a light polish which gives translucent alabaster the clearest transparency and produces the opaque effect of a delicate play of lights and shadows. A good metal brush and some talcum powder are good ingredients to give the sculpture the finishing touch, that is, the right brightness. -- Rossi Alabastri, Volterra Tuscany