alabaster quarrying

Alabaster quarrying involves extracting a soft, translucent mineral called alabaster from underground or surface deposits. Workers carefully remove blocks of this mineral, which is mainly composed of gypsum or calcite, using drills, chisels, and sometimes modern machinery. Once extracted, the alabaster is sliced, shaped, and polished for use in sculptures, decorative objects, or architectural elements. Quarrying requires attention to detail to prevent damage to the stone and to ensure sustainable extraction. Historically important, alabaster has been valued for its smooth finish and aesthetic appeal, making it a popular material in art and design.