Strengthening thin stone with epoxy

["Bill Weissinger" <Bill@zzzzzzzzzzzzzz>]

A few years ago I bought a 27 pound piece of patterned grey alabaster.
When I bought it, the stone showed clear evidence of having been left
out in the rain by some previous owner.  This winter, I chipped at it to
explore its strength, and off flaked a beautiful piece, probably 15
pounds, that would be perfect as a base for a small sculpture which is
almost comlete.  I say "would be perfect" since the stone was obviously
weakened substantially by the rain, and in addition it is very thin at
some of its edges.

The flake is the perfect shape for my sculpture, and is the perfect
color. So I don't want to toss it, if instead I can find some way to
strenthen it.

I have considered coating the bottom with epoxy, or some similar
substance, to use the strength of the epoxy to add to the strength of
the stone, and to bind the stone together.  But I believe epoxy itself
to be somewhat brittle on its own.

Portions of the bottom will be somewhat visible (the base has some
negative space in the middle), so the solution needs to look workmanlike
while not ruining the aesthetic effect of the sculpture as a whole.

Other than tossing the base and starting over (the best plan I expect),
I would appreciate any suggestions.

Bill Weissinger