Gypsum Manitoba |
see larger image | Mineral name: | Gypsum |
| Formula: | CaSO4 · 2(H2O) |
| Category: | Sulfate |
| Name Origin: | From the Greek gyps meaning "burned" mineral |
| Uses: | When gypsum is heated, it forms a white powder called plaster of Paris, which solidifies when mixed with water. |
| Diagnostic features: | Its softness and its three unequal cleavages |
| Interesting facts: | Gypsum can form as fibres or needles that radiate from a central point. This is known as daisy gypsum. |
| PROPERTIES |
| Colour: | White or grey, but many more colours |
| Streak: | White |
| Luster: | Glassy |
| Hardness: | 2 |
| Density: | 2.32 |
| Form: | Monoclinic |
| For more info on this mineral: | http://webmineral.com/data/Gypsum.shtml
http://www.mindat.org/min-1784.html
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| THIS SAMPLE: |
| Name: | Gypsum Manitoba |
| Size: | 10 x 9 cm |
| Came from: | Red River Floodway, Winnipeg |
| Province: | Manitoba |
| Collection of: | Geological Survey of Canada |
| Photography by: | Claire Dufour |
