Gypsum:
Scientists are studying gypsum in the Salar de Pajonales which is found on both the earth and Mars.
- It is a sedimentary rock primarily composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4 · 2H2O) and anhydrite (CaSO4).
- Gypsum is found in both crystal and rock forms.
- It commonly occurs in extensive beds alongside evaporite minerals like anhydrite and halite, especially in Permian and Triassic sedimentary formations.
- It is often found in saline lakes and salt pans and constitutes a significant part of cap rock on salt domes,
- It generally results from the evaporation of saline water and is one of the more common minerals in sedimentary conditions.
- Gypsum that occurs in nature is called mineral gypsum.
- In India, Marine gypsum is recovered from salt pans during production of common salt in coastal region, particularly in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
- Applications of Gypsum:
- Agricultural use: It works as an agent to remove Saline/Alkaline ingredients in the soil. It acts more or less like manure.
- Industrial use: It is used in manufacturing lime and in cement industry and also used in manufacturing Plaster of Paris.
