mineral

Gypsum (Alabaster variety)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Hardness: 2 on Mohs scale (can be scratched by a fingernail). Color: White to greyish. Luster: Pearly to dull. Crystal structure: Monoclinic. Cleavage: Perfect in one direction. Specific gravity: 2.3.

Hardness: 2 on Mohs scale (can be scratched by a fingernail)
Color: White to greyish
Luster: Pearly to dull

Identified June 17, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed as an evaporite mineral in sedimentary basins through the evaporation of seawater; common in Permian deposits typical of the Ural region.

Uses & applications

Used in the manufacture of plaster of Paris, wallboard (drywall), soil fertilizer, and as Alabaster for ornamental carvings and sculpture.

Geological facts

Gypsum is the most common sulfate mineral and is essential for controlling the setting time of cement. Massive fine-grained varieties are known as Alabaster.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its extreme softness; if you can scratch it with your fingernail, it is likely gypsum. Common in the Bashkortostan region (near 54.7N 56.1E), which is famous for its massive evaporite deposits.

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Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

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Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

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mineral