Alabaster Chandelier

Alabaster chandeliers are a unique and beautiful addition to any home. The unique glow that results from light bulbs shining through this gorgeous stone is unlike anything you'll ever see. Perfect for both antique style chandeliers and modern ones, this material is rapidly becoming a very popular stone indeed. Here are a few tips on how to care for alabaster chandeliers.

What is alabaster? Essentially it is a very soft, fragile stone used for everything from vases to statuary. In most cases, a variety of alabaster called gypsum is used, though it's not unheard of to see calcium sulfate alabaster. They are both renowned for their snowy white color and soft texture. While both are very soft stones, calcium sulfate is a bit stronger than gypsum. Depending on the craftsmanship, alabaster can also be a slight yellow or ruddy hue. In some cases, there are even veined patterns that aren't unlike marble. When it comes to alabaster chandeliers, this stone is usually used as lamp covers. Available in thousands of different shapes and styles, this stone is perfect for softening the glare of a light bulb into a pale glow.

However, as alabaster chandeliers are notorious for being very fragile, cleaning them can be somewhat difficult. What makes alabaster so easy to carve into different shapes is also its downfall; even a human fingernail can create faint scratches against its surface. As you can imagine, using an abrasive cloth or a harsh detergent when cleaning alabaster chandeliers would have disastrous effects. Even using gentle soaps that are overburdened with dyes will result in your alabaster being tainted as it absorbs the color. Even simple water can alter its appearance.

So how do you clean alabaster chandeliers? In most cases, simple dusting or vacuuming is enough to keep the worst at bay. If you have a particularly dirty chandelier, polishing it gently with a small amount of borax and a damp cloth should be enough to keep it clean. As with any chandelier, be sure to unplug it before performing any cleaning duties to prevent electrocution, as even though you're not using liquid, the damp cloth can still be a risk. If you have any doubts, try gently removing the alabaster portions, polishing them, and then putting them back after they're clean.

While delicate and relatively high maintenance, alabaster chandeliers are more than worth the time and effort. With proper care, you can keep your alabaster looking bright and beautiful. Learn more today!