What is Alabaster?
Alabaster, also known as Satin Spar, is a natural crystalline mineral of hydrated calcium sulfate. Mined near Volterra, Italy, this soft white mineral has been prized for centuries for its unique properties and uses in art and painting.
Properties and Characteristics
With a hardness of 1.5 to 2 on the Mohs scale, Alabaster is softer than chalk, making it easy to work with and polish to a smooth finish. Its chemical composition also makes it non-reactive to acids, unlike calcite or chalk, which effervesce when exposed to acids.
Uses in Art and Painting
Alabaster is an ideal material for creating gesso sottile, a traditional painting ground used to prepare surfaces for oil and tempera painting. It can also be added to oil colors and mediums as a transparent filler, or used as a white filler in tempera painting. Cennino Cennini, a renowned artist and author, recommends Alabaster in his treatise on painting, Il libro dell'arte.
High-Quality Alabaster from Rublev Colours
Rublev Colours is proud to offer high-quality Alabaster from Tuscany, Italy. Our Alabaster is carefully sourced and processed to ensure its purity and authenticity. Whether you're an artist, painter, or art conservator, you can trust Rublev Colours to provide you with the best Alabaster for your creative projects.
Order Your Alabaster Today
Buy Alabaster online from Rublev Colours today and experience the benefits of this versatile and unique material. With its soft and polishable surface, Alabaster is an ideal addition to any art studio or supplies collection. Order now and start creating with Alabaster!