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How Is Gypsum Formed

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The Formation of Gypsum: A Journey Through Evaporation and Chemical Reactions



Gypsum, a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO₄·2H₂O), is a remarkably common and widespread material. Its ubiquitous presence in various geological settings is a testament to its unique formation processes. This article delves into the fascinating world of gypsum formation, exploring the various geological scenarios that lead to the crystallization of this essential mineral. From the sun-baked evaporite basins of ancient seas to the hydrothermal vents hidden deep beneath the Earth's surface, the journey of gypsum formation is as diverse as the landscapes it graces.


1. Evaporation of Saline Water Bodies: The Primary Formation Mechanism



The most significant process responsible for gypsum formation is the evaporation of saline water bodies. This mechanism is prevalent in arid and semi-arid regions where the rate of evaporation exceeds the rate of water inflow. Imagine a shallow inland sea or a large saline lake, rich in dissolved calcium and sulfate ions. As the water evaporates, the concentration of these ions increases. When the concentration reaches a saturation point, the ions begin to precipitate out of the solution, forming gypsum crystals.

This process can be visualized by considering a simple scenario: a shallow saltwater lagoon. Under intense sunlight, water evaporates, leaving behind dissolved salts. As the concentration of calcium sulfate increases, it eventually exceeds its solubility limit, initiating the formation of gypsum crystals. These crystals, initially microscopic, gradually grow larger through continued precipitation, eventually forming layers of gypsum deposits. This is how vast gypsum deposits, often found in sedimentary basins, are formed over geological timescales. Examples include the White Sands National Park in New Mexico, USA, and the vast gypsum deposits of the Sahara Desert.

2. Hydrothermal Activity: Gypsum from Volcanic and Geothermal Sources



Gypsum formation isn't limited to evaporative settings. Hydrothermal activity, driven by the heat within the Earth, plays a significant role in its creation. Hydrothermal solutions, rich in dissolved minerals, including calcium and sulfate, rise from deep within the Earth's crust. As these hot, mineral-rich fluids interact with cooler groundwater or surface water, their temperature and pressure decrease. This decrease in temperature and pressure reduces the solubility of calcium sulfate, leading to gypsum precipitation.

This process often occurs near volcanic regions or geothermal areas, where hot water circulates through subsurface rocks. The interaction between the hydrothermal fluids and the surrounding rocks can lead to the formation of gypsum veins, geodes, or even large, massive deposits. The gypsum formed through hydrothermal activity often exhibits different crystal habits and textures compared to evaporite gypsum.

3. Gypsum Formation from the Alteration of Anhydrite



Anhydrite (CaSO₄), a related mineral devoid of water molecules, can transform into gypsum through a hydration process. This alteration typically occurs when anhydrite comes into contact with water, particularly groundwater. The anhydrite absorbs water molecules, expanding in volume and transforming into gypsum. This process is particularly common in areas where anhydrite deposits are exposed to groundwater infiltration or where changes in the water table occur. The increase in volume during hydration can cause significant geological changes, including fracturing and uplift.

4. Gypsum in Marine Environments: Beyond Evaporation



While evaporation is a dominant process, gypsum can also precipitate directly from seawater in specific marine environments. This occurs in localized areas with high concentrations of sulfate ions and where conditions favor precipitation. Certain types of marine organisms might also contribute to gypsum formation through their metabolic processes. While less common compared to evaporative and hydrothermal processes, this direct precipitation from seawater contributes to the overall gypsum budget in some coastal areas.


Summary



Gypsum formation is a complex process governed by a variety of geological factors. The predominant mechanism involves the evaporation of saline water bodies, leading to the precipitation of calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals. However, hydrothermal activity and the hydration of anhydrite also play significant roles. Understanding these different pathways is crucial for comprehending the widespread occurrence of this mineral and its geological significance. Gypsum's formation process reflects the dynamic interplay between water, minerals, and geological processes shaping our planet.


FAQs:



1. What are the main uses of gypsum? Gypsum is primarily used in the construction industry as a component of plaster, drywall, and cement. It's also used in agriculture as a soil amendment and in various industrial applications.

2. Is gypsum harmful to the environment? Gypsum itself is generally considered non-toxic and environmentally benign. However, the extraction and processing of gypsum can have environmental impacts, such as habitat destruction and dust generation.

3. Can gypsum be recycled? Gypsum can be recycled from construction waste, contributing to sustainable building practices. Recycled gypsum can be used in the production of new gypsum products.

4. How can I identify gypsum? Gypsum is relatively soft (easily scratched with a fingernail), has a pearly or silky luster, and typically exhibits a white or colorless appearance. It can also be identified through its chemical reaction with hydrochloric acid.

5. Where can I find gypsum deposits? Gypsum deposits are found worldwide, particularly in arid regions with extensive evaporite formations. They can also occur in association with volcanic and geothermal areas. Geological maps and online resources can provide information on specific locations of gypsum deposits.

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Formation of calcium sulfate through the aggregation of sub-3 … Here, using truly in situ and fast time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering, we quantify the four-stage solution-based nucleation and growth of gypsum (CaSO4 2H2O), an important mineral phase on Earth and Mars.

Gypsum processing and use - doc-developpement-durable.org Gypsum is a particularly useful processed material. Its main application is as a building material, mostly produced as so-called plaster of Paris for plastering walls and making decorative features in buildings.

101214-Gypsum and water Gypsum is one of the most common minerals in sedimentary environments. It is an evaporite and can be found in massive beds, formed after precipitation and evaporation of highly saline waters. Gypsum is usually white or grey, but can also have shades of red, brown and yellow. II. Sulphate in Ground Water.

Factsheet on: What is Gypsum? Gypsum is formed by the hydration of Anhydrite. The depth of hydration can range from the surface of the deposit down to three hundred metres, depending on temperature and pressure, topography and the structure of the deposit. Anhydrite is often mined in conjunction with …

A VARIETY of theories have been advanced at various times to Gypsum is deposited directly by some thermal springs, as in Ice-land,2 where the mineral is formed by the decomposition of volcanic tufa by acids dissolved in the water. The sulfurous acids become oxidized to sulfuric acid, and thus convert the carbonates, especially of lime and magnesia, into sulfates. Then, through evaporation,

D) for water and CaSO O (gypsum) Gypsum (CaSO4 2H2O) is a hydrated mineral containing crystallization water, also known as gypsum hydration water (GHW). We determined isotope fractionation factors (a17O, a18O and aD) between GHW and free water of the mother solu-tion in the temperature range from 3 C to 55 C at different salinities and precipitation rates.

Utilization of waste gypsum in fertilizer production - Sciendo The results of the study regarding utilization of the waste gypsum formed as a by-product during the production of the magnesium sulphate from dolomite have been presented. The use of this waste have been proposed for the production of granulated multi-component fertilizers containing 25% N; 8% S; 14% CaO and 3.5% MgO. In the

Geology of a Gypsum Dunefield - NPS History 3 Apr 2016 · Gypsum was formed and deposited in the Permian Sea. The crust began pulling apart, creating Tularosa Basin. The Ancient Rio Grande River blocked off southern part of basin, allowing formation of Lake Otero. Ice age conditions formed a glacier on Sierra Blanca. Rain and snowmelt fill Lake Otero. Ice age ended. Lake Otero dried up.

THERMAL AND HYGRIC PROPERTIES OF GYPSUM: … In this paper, we present reference measurements of thermal and hygric properties of common gypsum that will be utilized for a comparison with various types of modified gypsum in the future. A common water sorption experiment was carried out.

Gypsum CaSO4 2H2O - Handbook of Mineralogy Formed by the reaction between sulfuric acid and carbonate rock in oxidizing sulfide deposits, and by the action of sulfurous volcanic gases on surrounding Ca-bearing rock.

More about alabaster and Alabaster of geologists travertine geologists use this name for the compact fine-grained variety of gypsum, a mineral composed of hydrated calcium sulphate. Thick beds of gypsum formed at various times in geological history by the evaporation of sea water. Gypsum is soft and when it forms fine-grained masses, it is very suitable for carving. Faustino

WHAT IS GYPSUM? - uwaterloo.ca WHAT IS GYPSUM? Pure gypsum is a white rock but sometimes impurities colour it grey, brown or pink. Its scientific name is calcium sulphate dihydrate and its chemical formula is CaSO42H2O. This means that, for every molecule of gypsum, there are two molecules of water. This is a most important fact in the gypsum story. If a piece of

Selenite is the clear, Gypsum - puffinsandpies.com What is gypsum? Gypsum is a sulfate mineral and has CaSO 4 as basic chemical formula. Natural gypsum also contains two water molecules, which makes natural gypsum CaSO 4 - 2H 2 O. Gypsum is a very soft mineral, 2 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means that you can scratch it with your fingernails.

GYPSUM IN AGRICULTURE: A BRIEF DISCUSSION - AGRIALLIS Gypsum: where and howit comes from? The traditional natural source of gypsum is the geologic depositions which are often excavated, collected, and used fora long time.

The origin and significance of groundwater-seepage gypsum from … Field and geochemical evidence indicate that the gypsum formed from groundwater resurging around the margins of the playa, precipitating gypsum as a diagenetic mineral within the near-surface sediments of a continental playa.

AL-USTAQABAL Constructional Technology UNVERSTY … Gypsum rock (calcium sulfate dehydrate – CaSO4 .2H2O) was formed in geological time through the evaporation of seawater. It is often laid down in beds, ranging in thickness from a few centimeters to several tens of meters.

Gypsum - uomustansiriyah.edu.iq Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate, with the chemical formula CaSO4·2H2O. Gypsum is used in a wide variety of applications such as: Gypsum board is primarily used as a finish for walls and ceilings, and is known in construction as dry wall, wall board, sheet rock or plaster board.

AP-42, CH 11.16: Gypsum Manufacturing - US EPA Gypsum is calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4 2H2O), a white or gray naturally occurring mineral. Raw gypsum ore is processed into a variety of products such as a portland cement additive, soil conditioner, industrial and building plasters, and gypsum wallboard.

LECTURE FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS GYPSUM AS … •This section provides an informative look at what gypsum is, the history of its use and how gypsum board is made.