Our alabaster is properly quarried and stored so it will retain its color and sculptural quality. Alabaster is quite easily worked. Small sculptures and detail work can be done with a knife or worked with most woodworking tools, such as rasps and hand chisels. Larger pieces require stone chisels and hammers which are designed to be more durable and effective. Rifflers, rasps, and files that have coarse teeth work best.
Power tools enable the artist to complete pieces in a relatively short time.
Colorado alabaster is also excellent for turning on the lathe. This will leave the surface ready for a final application of a variety of products. For a satin to high gloss and protective finish we recommend using a polishing compound with a buffing wheel or applying several coats of a good clear paste wax or stone buffing fluid and buffing with a loose cotton buff or a soft cloth. A coat of poppy oil or a clear acrylic spray will enrich and deepen the color if applied before the waxing stage. The polished areas can be contrasted with various textures or inlays worked on the remaining portions of the stone piece.