Alabaster lamps and marble lamps are often sold under the same words, because both stones can let light through. They are two different materials. This guide explains the difference and what it means for a lamp.
Alabaster and marble: two different stones
| Alabaster | Marble | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A fine-grained form of gypsum | A crystalline stone formed from limestone |
| Hardness | Soft: it can be scratched with a fingernail | Harder and heavier |
| With light | Translucent, with a soft, even glow | Translucent when cut thin, with visible veins |
In lighting, the word alabaster is also used for the look: a pale stone that glows from within. A lamp described as alabaster-effect may be made of marble. Check the material line of the product page.
A marble wall sconce with an alabaster look
The Spanish Marble Alabaster Wall Sconce is made of Spanish marble, a natural stone. Stepped panels of translucent marble are stacked into a tall wall light. When switched on, the whole stone glows from within and shows its natural veins.
- Sizes: H 50 × W 20 × D 10 cm, or H 75 × W 20 × D 10 cm
- Power: 15 W (50 cm) or 25 W (75 cm)
- Light colour: warm 3000K, natural 4000K, white 6000K or 3-colour
- Dimmable, with a button switch
- Suited to spaces of about 5 to 10 m²
At 10 cm deep, it is one of the slim sconces in our guide to what a sconce is, which compares how far each of our wall lights projects from the wall.
A cordless marble table lamp
The Cordless Marble Table Lamp uses marble differently: as a solid base, under a flat opal glass shade. Here the glass glows and the stone gives the weight.
- Size: height 23 cm, shade diameter 17 cm, base diameter 7 cm
- Weight: about 1.95 kg
- Light: integrated LED, 3 W, 3 brightness levels
- Battery: built-in rechargeable battery, 8 to 12 hours per charge, USB-C charging
- Indoor use only
How to choose
- For a wall that glows: a translucent stone sconce, where the stone itself is the shade.
- For a lamp you can move: a cordless table lamp with a stone base.
- For matte stone and directed light: travertine, which is opaque. See our travertine lamp guide.
To see all six of our stone lamps side by side, with their sizes and light, read our stone lamps guide.
At only 10 cm deep, the Spanish Marble Alabaster Wall Sconce also suits an entrance or a staircase: read our hallway and entryway lighting ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Is alabaster the same as marble?
No. Alabaster is a soft form of gypsum; marble is a harder crystalline stone. Both can be translucent.
Why does a stone lamp glow?
When the stone is translucent and cut thin enough, light passes through it and shows the veins inside.
Does every stone lamp look the same?
No. Natural stone varies in colour and veining from piece to piece.
See all models in our travertine and stone lighting collection.
