Gypsum

• One common use for gypsum is to make the wallboard that the walls in houses are made from
• white streak
• soft
• waxy luster
• comes in a variety of colours
• Gypsum comes in different varieties.
  • When it is chalky or opaque, it goes by the name of gypsum.
  • When it is clear & transparent, it is known as selenite.
  • When it is granular and comes in massive chunks it is called alabaster.
  • When it forms in petals and looks like a flower, it is called a "gypsum rose".

Gypsum Rose

• Gypsum crystals often form blades or petals. These specimens are called "gypsum roses"
• the frosted look at the edge of this specimen was artificially created by heating the edge of the crystal blades with a torch which dehydrated that part of the crystal

SPECIMEN ORIGIN: MEXICO
 

•  selenite is a variety of gypsum
• What sets selinite apart is that it is clear like glass whereas gypsum is opaque

Alabaster is a variety of gypsum. It is opaque. When gypsum looks like it is granular (made from compacted little grains) and is found in compact masses, it is called alabaster. It takes a soft shine and is often used to carve sculptures.