Crossword Genius

A dog tears around rock (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alabaster

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'rock' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both substances as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'a dog tears around' is the wordplay.
'dog' becomes 'lab' (short for labrador).
'around' indicates anagramming the letters.
'tears' with letters rearranged gives 'aster'.
'a'+'lab'+'aster'='ALABASTER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for alabaster that I've seen before include "statuary material?" , "White translucent form of gypsum used for statues, vases etc" , "Material for sculpting" , "White or translucent mineral" , "Carved form of gypsum" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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