Mineral: Gypsum
Size: 34x20 mm
Approximate Weight: 10 g
Origin: This precious gemstone was mined in the picturesque Cherkasy Oblast of Ukraine.
*Natural irregularities and inclusions are allowed in the stone.*
*You are buying the exact specimen shown in the photos.
GYPSUM – a mineral, calcium sulfate dihydrate. It is the most common sulfate mineral.
PROPERTIES
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Composition (formula): CaSO₄•2H₂O
Color: Colorless, white, gray, yellowish. Impurities give it yellow, brown, red, black, or blue shades.
Streak color: White
Transparency: Opaque, semi-transparent, transparent
Cleavage: Very perfect
Fracture: Splintery, conchoidal, even, step-like
Luster: Greasy, pearly, vitreous, silky
Hardness: 1.5-2 – varies depending on the direction
Density (specific gravity), g/cm³: 2.32
Brittleness: Flexible
Special properties:
Gypsum’s hardness can decrease to 1.5 depending on the direction.
The mineral gypsum dissolves in water.
At elevated temperatures, it can dehydrate to bassanite. Upon dehydration, it turns white.
It fluoresces under ultraviolet light. The most common fluorescence colors are pale blue and shades from golden-yellow to yellow. Selenite often displays zonal fluorescence in the form of "hourglass" patterns, which may not be visible under normal light.
MORPHOLOGY
Gypsum forms thin- and thick-tabular transparent crystals, sometimes prismatic, lens-shaped, or needle-like. Crystals may have curved surfaces, be bent or twisted. It is often found as rosette-like clusters of lens-shaped crystals, veins, nodules, massive layers, and asbestos-like parallel-fibrous masses (selenite), as well as granular masses (including the variety - alabaster).
ORIGIN
Gypsum is the most common sulfate mineral. It forms in marine and lake evaporite basins, caves, fumaroles, weathering crusts, and in the oxidation zones of sulfide deposits. It arises through the hydration of anhydrite.
Gypsum is found in association with calcite, aragonite, anhydrite, dolomite, sulfur, celestine, and halite.
APPLICATION
Gypsum is a relatively inexpensive mineral, allowing its use in various fields of human activity. Today, it is used in construction and architecture, the paper industry, in the production of cement, enamels, paints, and glazes, as well as in medicine and agriculture.
Notably, gypsum is used as an ornamental stone; its varieties (alabaster, selenite, etc.) are used in the creation of decorative sculptures, statuettes, vases, and boxes. Additionally, craftsmen use it to make construction boards, blocks, cornices, and bas-reliefs.
Collectors highly value the beautiful "desert roses," twin crystals known as "swallowtail" and star-shaped gypsum aggregates.
HEALING PROPERTIES
Gypsum has long been used in both folk and conventional medicine. It helps:
MAGICAL PROPERTIES
Since ancient times, gypsum amulets and talismans have been used as a "cure" for human pride, vanity, and arrogance. According to mystics, the mineral can guide its owner on the best course of action in any situation. Gypsum is believed to help bring material prosperity and success in all endeavors.
Interesting Facts
Gypsum has been known to humanity since ancient times. During the Roman Empire, it was used to make various household and decorative items.
In the past, there was a Catholic tradition of covering images of the Virgin Mary with gypsum plates, called "Marienglas." This is where the Russian name for transparent gypsum crystals, "Mary’s glass," originated.
Shipping and Service
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Don't miss the unique opportunity to acquire this rare and exquisite mineral with an origin from a prestigious deposit. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need further information. Thank you for your interest!