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Gypsum is a common mineral, with thick and extensive evaporite beds in association with sedimentary rocks. Deposits are known to occur in strata from as far back as the Archaean eon. [16] Gypsum is deposited from lake and sea water, as well as in hot springs, from volcanic vapors, and sulfate solutions in veins.
Rock salt & rock gypsum often occur together in evaporitic successions. Rock gypsum is composed of the mineral gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O - hydrous calcium sulfate). Heating of gypsum or rock gypsum drives off the water, leaving only calcium sulfate behind (the mineral anhydrite). Adding water to anhydrite results in the formation of gypsum again.
Selenite, satin spar, desert rose, and gypsum flower are crystal habit varieties of the mineral gypsum.. All varieties of gypsum, including selenite and alabaster, are composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate (meaning that it has two molecules of water), with the chemical formula CaSO 4 ·2H 2 O. Selenite contains no selenium, the similar names both derive from Greek selḗnē (σελήνη 'Moon').
Saharan gypsum desert rose from Tunisia (length 47 cm) Baryte rose from Cleveland County, Oklahoma (size: 10.2 × 7.1 × 5.5 cm) Large desert rose formation in the Tunisian desert A desert rose is an intricate rose -like formation of crystal clusters of gypsum or baryte , which include abundant sand grains. [ 1 ]
The following is a list of rock types recognized by geologists.There is no agreed number of specific types of rock. Any unique combination of chemical composition, mineralogy, grain size, texture, or other distinguishing characteristics can describe a rock type.
Black alabaster is a rare anhydrite form of the gypsum-based mineral. The black form is found in only three veins in the world, one each in United States, Italy, and China. Alabaster Caverns State Park, near Freedom, Oklahoma, is home to a natural gypsum cave in which much of the gypsum is in the form of alabaster. There are several types of ...
The gypsum is mostly in the form of alabaster. There are several types of alabaster found at the site, including pink, white, and the rare black alabaster. This black alabaster can be found in only three veins in the world, one each in Oklahoma, Italy and China. Another form of gypsum can be found in the many selenite crystal formations. [4]
It takes the form of a chamber within the limestone host rock of the mine, and is about 109 metres (358 ft) long with a volume of 5,000 to 6,000 cubic metres (180,000 to 210,000 cu ft). [1] The chamber contains giant selenite crystals (gypsum, CaSO 4 · 2 H 2 O), some of the largest natural crystals ever found. [2]