What is Gypsum?

Gypsum is a soft mineral that is naturally clear, white, gray, yellow, red, or brown. Gypsum’s streak is white, and its luster is sugary and silky. It has a hardness of 2 in the Mohs Hardness Scale. Its crystal shape is prismatic(prism like). Gypsum’s chemical formula is CaSO4·2H20.

Gypsum is very similar to anhydrite. The only difference between the two minerals is that gypsum contains two molecules of water, while anhydrite has no molecules of water. Gypsum is also classified into the sulfate mineral group, and is the most common sulfate mineral. A sulfate mineral is a mineral which contains sulfate, a type of acidic sodium(salt) anion.

Where is Gypsum Found?

Gypsum is usually located in a sedimentary rock, or other layers of sediment in association with halite, sulfur, calcite, and other minerals.

What is Gypsum Made of? 

Gypsum is composed of calcium sulfate dehydrate(a compound made up of one molecule of calcium and four molecules of sodium), as well as two molecules of water.

Uses of Gypsum

Gypsum is commonly used in construction or manufacturing. For example, gypsum is used to make walls and ceilings, concrete, and cement. They are also used in fertilizer, soil conditioner, and are an ingredient in mead. Gypsum is also commonly used in shampoo and hair products. Gypsum is also sometimes used to make decorations or ornaments, though their low hardness level affects their durability, and they do not last long.