Gypsum is commonly found throughout North America and Mexico.
Some scientists argue that gypsum is one of the most important minerals in the modern world, according to Emporia State University. Synthetic forms of gypsum exist that can be used once the world’s gypsum supply is depleted. However, it’s unlikely that global gypsum supplies will be lost within the next century. The chemical formula for gypsum is CaSO42H2O, according to Georgia State University.
Geography
Gypsum is a common mineral found throughout the entire world, according to Emporia State University. Geographic locations with particularly large amounts of gypsum include New York, Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma and Mexico. Gypsum is also found in Kansas, according to Geokansas.
Varities
Varieties of gypsum include selentine, satin spar and alabaster, according to Emporia State University. Selentine is a colorless transparent variety that has a pearl-like luster and often has a banded appearance. The satin spar gypsum variety has a fibrous appearance and is milk white or pink. The alabaster variety is a fine-grained material that’s often carved into ornaments.
Characteristics
Gypsum is usually found in colors such as white, colorless or gray and shades of brown, yellow and red, according to Emporia State University. Luster of gypsum is either pearly white or vitreous. Gypsum has a monoclinic crystal system and is either transparent or translucent. Fractures are rarely found on gypsum rocks. Gypsum has a hardness rating between 1.5 and 2 on the Moh’s Hardness Scale. The specific gravity of gypsum ranges from 2.3 to 2.4.
Mining
Gypsum is found close to the earth’s surface, which makes it easy to mine, according to Emporia State University. After mining companies find a large deposit of gypsum, they set up camp until the deposit is exhausted many years later. Large explosives are used to extract the material.
Uses
Gypsum is a poor conductor of heat, which makes it useful for the construction of wall boards, according to Emporia State University. Gypsum helps protect against fire because it contains large amounts of water. This is especially true for the satin spar variety of gypsum. Gypsum is one of the most commonly used minerals in the world. It’s primarily used as sheetrock and is often added to concrete to strengthen it. It’s used in concrete for roads, sidewalks and bridges. Gypsum is often used as a fertilizer for soil and is often added to paint as a filler.
Quick Facts
The average American home contains about 7 tons of gypsum on average, according to Emporia State University. Gypsum was first used to make sculptures. Before the creation of glass, transparent gypsum was used to manufacture windows.
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