Salts - Gypsum

Page / - last modified by Roelof Zwaan on 2021/09/30 15:18

Gypsum

last modified by Roelof Zwaan

on 2021/09/30 15:18

Table of Contents

Gypsum is the most common sulfate mineral and differs from anhydrite in its water content. Gypsum has two water molecules attached to its sulfate molecules giving the following chemical name: CaSO4*2H2O. The mineral can be found in deposits together with halite, anhydrite, sulfur, calcite and dolomite.

Characteristics

Gypsum is clear colorless or clear white when pure. Impurities produce gray, yellow, red or brown. Its streak is white and gypsum has a vitreous, silky, sugary luster. Its hardness is soft, a 2 on Mohr's scale. It can be recognized by its perfect cleavage, low hardness and low specific gravity.

References

https://geology.com/

Bonewitz, Ronald Louis (2012). Rocks and Minerals. DK Publishing. p. 110. ISBN 978-0-7566-9042-7.

Gypsum

Type	Salt stone
Chemical formula	CaSO4 *2 H2O
Color	clear colorless or clear white
Streak	White
Luster	Vitreous, silky and sugary
Hardness	Soft
Cleavage	Perfect
Image	Gypsum

Contents

Characteristics

References

Gypsum