The Ancient Egyptians were the first known civilization to revere alabaster for its translucency and beauty. The mineral is not a hard stone and lends itself perfectly to intricate carving. Our Alabaster Ball Bookends are made by a family who has been working in alabaster for centuries. As alabaster is a natural product, please be aware that there will always be variations in veining and color. This is to be expected and makes every alabaster product uniquely your own. Made of alabaster. Each.