Gypsum
ExploreMineral
Gypsum
Gypsum is a soft mineral that is often used to make plaster. It can be white or transparent.
Appearance
The Gypsum is often white or colorless, sometimes appearing grey, yellow, or pink. It can form clear, glassy crystals or fibrous, silky masses, making it look quite distinct from other common minerals.
KingdomAnimalia
Category
MineralRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Ancient Egyptians used gypsum plaster to help build the pyramids!
It's a secret ingredient in cement, plaster, and even some toothpastes!
The world's largest crystals, up to 12 meters long, are gypsum!
You can find gypsum crystals that look like flowers, called 'desert roses'!
Special abilities
Ability
Soft Touch
Gypsum has a very low hardness of 2 on the Mohs scale, making it soft enough to be scratched by a fingernail.
Ability
Water Wizard
Gypsum contains water in its crystal structure, which can be released by heating to create plaster.
Ability
Crystal Clear
Some gypsum forms transparent crystals called selenite, which are so clear you can see right through them.
Measurements & details
- Color Range
- white, colorless, grey, yellow, brown, pink
- Hardness
- 2
- Luster
- vitreous
- Specific Gravity
- 2.3
- Crystal System
- monoclinic
Traits
Sedimentary
Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediments, organic matter, or chemical precipitates.
Crystalline
Crystalline describes a mineral or rock composed of crystals, often exhibiting a regular atomic structure and geometric external form.
Natural
Natural refers to organisms, materials, or phenomena existing or produced by nature, not artificially created.
Also known as
AlabasterSelenite
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Handle gently and avoid sharp edges. Ask an adult before picking anything up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors can Gypsum be?
white, colorless, grey, yellow, brown, pink
How hard is Gypsum?
2
What kind of luster does Gypsum have?
vitreous
What is Gypsum's specific gravity?
2.3
What crystal system does Gypsum belong to?
monoclinic
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