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Alabaster (sometimes called satin spar)
is a name applied to varieties of two distinct
minerals:
gypsum (a
hydrous
sulfate of
calcium) and the
calcite (a
carbonate of calcium). The former is the alabaster of the present
day; the latter is generally the alabaster of the ancients.
The two kinds are readily distinguished from
each other by their relative hardnesses. The gypsum kind
is so soft as to be readily scratched by a finger-nail (hardness
1.5 to 2), while the calcite kind is too hard to be scratched in
this way (hardness
3), though it does yield readily to a knife. Moreover, the calcite
alabaster, being a
carbonate,
effervesces on being touched with
hydrochloric acid, whereas the gypsum alabaster, when so treated,
remains practically unaffected.
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Shelby
Motor Lodge
Shelby Motor Lodge
Hwy 31 South
Alabaster, AL 35007
Phone: 205-663-1070 Description : Across from McDonalds.
Amenities : Parking (free),
ATM/Bank, Common areas wheelchair accessible, Restaurant, Smoke
alarms
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