Comparison · Minerals vs Metamorphic Rocks
Alabaster vs Marble
Alabaster and Marble are easy to confuse. Marble is harder (Mohs 3.5) than Alabaster (Mohs 1.5–2), so Marble will scratch Alabaster and not the other way round. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Alabaster and Marble
- Marble is harder (Mohs 3.5) than Alabaster (Mohs 1.5–2), so Marble will scratch Alabaster and not the other way round. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Alabaster is Translucent to opaque, Marble is translucent.
- They overlap in white, pink, and gray, but Alabaster also comes in yellow and multicolored and Marble also comes in green and black.
Alabaster vs Marble properties
| Property | Alabaster | Marble |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Metamorphic Rocks |
| Mohs hardness | 1.5–2 | 3.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous (crystalline); waxy to dull (massive) | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.3 | 2.7 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic | varies |
| Common colors | White, Cream, Pale pink, Yellowish, Gray, Banded | White, Gray, Pink, Green, Black |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $5–$500+ |
Which is more valuable?
Marble is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $20 for Alabaster, and premium Marble can reach $500 or more.
About Alabaster
Alabaster is a fine-grained, massive variety of gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate, CaSO4·2H2O), prized since antiquity for carving because of its softness and ability to take a smooth polish. Unlike crystalline selenite, alabaster shows no visible crystal faces, appearing instead as a compact, sugary or waxy mass. Its low hardness and solubility in water set it apart from harder ornamental stones like marble, which it is often confused with by name alone.
About Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals. It has been used for sculpture and architecture since ancient times.
Alabaster vs Marble FAQ
Is Alabaster the same as Marble?
No. Alabaster is a mineral while Marble is a metamorphic rock. Marble is harder (Mohs 3.5) than Alabaster (Mohs 1.5–2), so Marble will scratch Alabaster and not the other way round. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily.
How can you tell Alabaster from Marble?
Marble is harder (Mohs 3.5) than Alabaster (Mohs 1.5–2), so Marble will scratch Alabaster and not the other way round. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily. Hold a thin edge to the light: Alabaster is Translucent to opaque, Marble is translucent. They overlap in white, pink, and gray, but Alabaster also comes in yellow and multicolored and Marble also comes in green and black.
Which is harder, Alabaster or Marble?
Marble is harder: Mohs 3.5 against Mohs 1.5–2 for Alabaster.
Which is more valuable, Alabaster or Marble?
Marble is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $20 for Alabaster, and premium Marble can reach $500 or more.
