The alabaster box contained extremely, expensive, perfumed oil which mary magdalene used to pour over jesus' feet, then wiped them with her hair. Alabaster in those days was made of gypsum (a hydrous sulfate of calcium) which crafters used to make small perfume boxes, ornaments, tombs, vases, chalices and many other items. The expression of this act that mary did was in gratitude for what jesus did which was to cast out the demons from her. What would you do to repay jesus for delivering you from prostitution? I know that if I was mary and had the precious oil or ointment, I would have done the same thing. Praise jesus for his love and compassion and for not judging a prostitute that should have been stoned but set free by the grace of god. Is it any wonder she was blinded by her tears. Alabaster was used in those ancient days to hold many valuable oils and items. Ellie mercer-april 15, 2012 †