Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
monocliniccommonSulfates
Gypsum
CaSO₄·2H₂O
The image displays a clear to translucent, blocky crystal of gypsum, exhibiting its characteristic monoclinic form and vitreous luster.
Gypsum Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
2Crystal System
monoclinicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
perfect on {010}, good on {100} and {111}Fracture
conchoidal to unevenSpecific Gravity
2.32Colors
colorless, white, gray, yellow, red, brownTransparency
transparentType Locality
Red River Floodway, Winnipeg, Manitoba, CanadaMineral Group
SulfatesUses
plaster, drywall, fertilizer, cement, sculptureAssociated Minerals
halite, anhydrite, sulfur, calcite, dolomiteRarity
commonGeological Context
Gypsum is a common evaporite mineral, forming in sedimentary deposits from the evaporation of saline water bodies such as seas, lakes, and lagoons. It can also occur in hydrothermal veins and as a weathering product of sulfide minerals.
