Crossword Genius

White stone in altar base, cracked (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alabaster

'white stone' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'altar base cracked' is the wordplay.
'cracked' is an anagram indicator.
'altar'+'base'='altarbase'
'altarbase' is an anagram of 'ALABASTER'.

'in' is the link.

(Other definitions for alabaster that I've seen before include "Translucent white gypsum as found carved into ornaments" , "White mineral used for carving" , "Sculptors work with this" , "Altar base (anagr.)" , "Carved form of gypsum" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph and The Guardian.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app