Gypsum deposits are common and scattered around the world.
Gypsum, dihydrous calcium sulfate, is a commonly occurring mineral found around the world. It is very soft, only a 1.5 to 2 on the Mohs scale in which a diamond, the hardest mineral, is a 10. A light mineral, gypsum forms monoclinic, prismatic crystals characterized by perfect cleavage (clean fractures), and its slightly flexible but inelastic plates consist of very fine flakes. It has a glassy or silky luster and can appear pearly on cleavage faces.
Often Found with Other Minerals
Gypsum is often found together with these minerals: anhydrite, barite, dolomite, halite and sulfur. This is partly due to how gypsum forms, typically through the sedimentary process, often involving evaporation. It can crystallize via precipitation from saline waters or through hydrous alteration of anhydrite. It can also be a result of sublimation from fumaroles or a precipitate from sources of hot volcanic springs. Waxy-looking alabaster is a compact form of gypsum.
Found in These Environments
Gypsum is often found in banks and pockets containing clays, limestone and salts. Sometimes gypsum forms in sandy areas. When this occurs, sand may become trapped within the gypsum crystals, creating a brown, opaque specimen. The "desert rose" is one such specimen, in which gypsum takes a rosette shape. Occasionally, water can become trapped inside a gypsum crystal. Because this is a geological oddity, these specimens are highly sought after by collectors.
Found in These Locations
Because gypsum is a common mineral, it is found in a great many places all around the world. It is particularly common in the United States, and found in Utah, New Mexico, west Texas and central Florida. Desert roses can be found in Oklahoma, Kentucky, New Mexico and Arizona. Gypsum also comes from New York, Ohio, Maryland, Tennessee, Iowa, Michigan and California. In other parts of the world, gypsum is present as giant crystals near Bologna and Pavia in Italy and in the sulfur mines of Sicily. Gypsum is found at Chihuahua, Mexico and in Chile. In Tunisia, Morocco more desert roses are typically found. And stratified deposits are mined in the Paris basin of Montmarte, in Nova Scotia, Canada and at Volterra in Pisa, Italy. Fragile strands of gypsum can be found forming in southern Australia.
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