alabaster

Alabaster is a name applied to two different rocks, each similar in its properties: gypsum and calcite. The latter was used frequently in ancient sculpture, while the gypsum variety is far more common in architectural usage.

The rock is similar to marble but more translucent, and is often white but can also be yellowish, reddish, or other colors.

Alabaster is more commonly used as a decorative interior stone than as a facade material, but it is used occasionally in that capacity.