Stone sculpture stone carving. Alabaster and softer kinds of serpentine, all about 3 on the Mohs scale, are more durable than soapstone. Alabaster, in particular, has long been cherished for its translucence. Limestone and sandstone, at about 4 on the Mohs scale, are the only sedimentary stones commonly carved. Limestone comes in a popular oolitic variety, about twice as hard as alabaster, that is excellent for carving. The harder serpentines can also reach 4 on the Mohs scale. Marble, travertine, and onyx are at about 6 on the Mohs scale. Marble has been the preferred stone for sculptors in the European tradition
The Stonemason Ostracon his left hand, and his wooden Egyptian mallet in his right hand. While the obverse has the Stonemason, the reverse tells an entirely different story. A register (sculpture) of hieroglyphs is across the bottom of the ostracon, below a drawing of the snake, Apep; apparently, the ostracon was once larger, because a seated person (only the knees visible), but outstretched arms (hands) in adoration, are before the snake-God Apep. (See hieroglyph: ) More hieroglyphs are at the upper region of the picture, but the ostracon has discoloration that obscures it. The Stonemason Ostracon The Stonemason Ostracon is a figured-limestone ostracon