Gypsum: Origins, Properties, and Applications

Presented by the GO 336 Mineralogy Class
Emporia State University

A display was put together as a Mineralogy class project to explore the origins, applications, and properties of a mineral important to the Kansas economy. Gypsum was chosen because it occurs over the western two-thirds of the state and is still mined in two physiographic provinces, the Red Hills and Glaciated Region. In addition to being abundant and useful, gypsum is a beautiful mineral!


ESU Mineralogy Class Display, Topeka Gem and Mineral Show, October 14-15, 2006.
The white gypsum-shaped images on the above photo are not gypsum,
but rather a reflection in the glass of the ceiling lights...
Photo date 10/13/2006; photo by S.W. Aber.

The 2006 Fall semester Mineralogy class.

Each student researched a topic and specimens from the mineral collection at Emporia State University were featured to illustrate student findings. The project was viewed at the 50th Annual Topeka Gem and Mineral Show, Topeka, Kansas, October 14-15, 2006. Participants include Erin Allen, Joshua Converse, Cara Haas, Andrew Holt. Brandon Milner, Michael Newton, Roxanne Pucket, Samuel Somerhalder, Jerritt Turner, and Andrew Vogelsberg. Susie Aber is the instructor for the course.

Our projected webpage presentation will be complete after the weekend display, so stop back in soon for a informative look at the origins, properties, and applications of gypsum.

Origins

Cara - environment of deposition with a focus on sedimentary rocks, and world-wide gypsum occurrences.

Erin - Gypsum Hills physiographic province in south-central KS.

Josh - history and geography of place names such as Gypsum, KS.

Jerritt - Origin of the names given to gypsum and an illustration or example or each...selenite, alabaster, satin spar, and Sahara rose, Desert rose or Jet selenite blades.

Brandon - Georgia Pacific mine and processing plant in Marshall County, KS.

Andy H. - Historic and current gypsum mining in KS.

Properties

Andy V. - General background with a focus on chemical-physical properties.

Michael - Optical Properties explained and a homemade polariscope was built.

Sam - Locate, photograph, and label physical examples.

Applications

Roxanne - general use applications

I have only listed a fraction of the companies that use gypsum as primary a source of manufacturing. Gypsum is surprisingly used widely in industry today. It is absolutely amazing how a common mineral could have so many uses in our everyday lives. Gypsum has applications in construction, agriculture, dental, and medical fields. Many manufacturers derive their entire business from gypsum and it's many uses. Thanks to this mineral people have walls protecting them from the elements and repaired bones after a break. One could only wonder what people did before the discovery of its many uses.

Reference Sources

Return to the Syllabus or Webpage Assignments.

This page originates from the Earth Science department for the use and benefit of students enrolled at Emporia State University. The curriculum is © by the author, 2006. For more information contact the course instructor, S. W. Aber, e-mail: saber@emporia.edu. Creation: 21 September 2006; update 17 October 2006.

copyright 2006 © Susan Ward Aber. All rights reserved.