Alabaster, Or Compact Gypsum. Is a well known mineral, used by architects, statuaries, plasterers, and others. It is a sulphate of lime, of which plaster of Paris is a coarse variety. There are three kinds 1st, the snow-white, shining alabaster, found in Taurus, in pieces large enough to make dishes: it cuts freely, and is capable of a fine polish. 2nd. the yellow alabaster, which is found in Greece, of a soft texture, heavy and nearly the colour of honey. This species has been found also in Germany, France, in Derbyshire, and in Cumberland. 3rd. the variegated, yellow, and reddish alabaster. This is the common alabaster of the ancients, and is so soft that it may be cut with a knife, it is remarkably bright, almost transparent; admits of a fine polish, and consists of large angular sparry concretions. Alabasters are frequently used by statuaries for small statues, vases, and columns. The clearness and fineness of this stone renders it in some measure transparent, whence it has been occasionally employed for windows. There is a church at