Alabaster Candle luminaire

The brown watercolor lines that run through the stone and give it its unique signature are due to the presence of iron oxide. The variations in translucency are induced by the temperature at which the alabaster is heated. Immersed in water at high temperature, the stone can become as opaque as marble. It was representational of lighting the way for Christ's birth and illumination of the spirit. The modern tradition has evolved into Christmas luminaries decorating sidewalks, driveways, rooftops and windows as a way to guide travelers to their holiday destinations.