A small ornamental jar or bottle made of alabaster stone, traditionally used for storing precious oils, perfumes, or cosmetics in ancient Greece and Rome.
From Greek 'alabastros,' possibly connected to Egyptian 'alabastos' or a Semitic root. The term spread throughout the Mediterranean as trade in these luxury items increased during the Classical period.
An alabastos was the ancient perfume bottle—so elegant that museums still prize them! The stone's natural coolness made it ideal for preserving expensive oils, which is why Mary Magdalene's famous alabaster jar of ointment was such a luxurious gift.
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