Natural Indian Minerals
Gypsum Minerals

Name and Composition - Hydrated sulphate of calcium: CaSO4 . 2H2O; Gypsum mixed with clay is called gypsite, while selenite is the purest, crystalline and transparent variety of gypsum.

Physical Properties - It occurs in crystalline and massive form, having grey, yellow or pink colour; hardness is 1.5-2.0 and sp.gr.is 2.31.

Mode of Occurrence - Commercially gypsum occurs as sedimentary, evaporate deposits.

Uses - The chief Industrial use of gypsum is in cement, fertilizer, plaster of paris and conditioning of alkaline soils etc. Presently, it is used on large scale for manufacturing of partition blocks, sheets, tiles, insulation boards, wall boards, panels and lattice works etc. In pottery calcited gypsum is used for preparation of moulds.

Selenite is used for manufacturing gypsum plate in microscopes, in ceramic industries, for manufacturing of surgical grade plaster of paris and white cement. As a filler in paper, paints and textiles. Alabaster and satinspar are used in sculpture and other artistic models.

Mineral based Industries – Plaster of Paris, fertiliser industries, pulverisers, wall boards, moulded articles like handicrafts, artisan works etc.

Industrial Prospects – Fertiliser industries, plaster of paris, wall boards, insulation boards, pulverisors.


Physical Properties
Hardness
Sp. gr.
Compresive strength
Moisture
Luster
1.5 to 2.0
2.31 to 2.33
8.8 MPa
0.44%
Vitreous to silky, pearly, or waxy
Chemical Properties
CaO
Al2O3
Fe2O3
SiO2
MgO
SiO3
Na3O
K2O
CI
CaSO + 2H2O
18.86
11.63
6.20
19.83
5.75
16.69
0.03
1.47
0.026
35.54
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