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
Shining Rock their tracks are this way" and refers to a rock that is said to have tracks of Tsul 'Kalu and his children. This is distinct from Judaculla Rock which is discussed with Tsul 'Kalu, is south of the Blue Ridge Parkway and contains petroglyphs. Confusion arises because Judaculla (or Jutaculla) is a European corruption of the name Tsul 'Kalu; hence there appear to be two rocks of Cherokee lore named with variations of the name. Shining Rock Shining Rock is a mountain in western North Carolina. The mountain is one of the Great Balsam Mountains which are a part of