Shopping for Alabaster

Turkish alabaster is a fine-grained, translucent light-colored stone with streaks of pastel color.

The color, grain and light passing through it make it pretty, which is why it's used to make ashtrays, bowls and plates, chess sets, cups, egg cups (and ornamental eggs), vases and other items both useful and ornamental.

You'll find carved alabaster pieces for sale all over Turkey for TL3 to TL20 and up.

Look especially in Istanbul in and around the Grand Bazaar, and in Cappadocia in the town of Avanos.