Gypsite is an earthy, incoherent mixture of gypsum and clay or other impurities found in surface deposits. It typically forms as a powdery or crumbly material in arid regions where groundwater evaporates near the surface, leaving behind gypsum-rich crusts.

Hardness

1.5-2

Mohs

Luster

Dull

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

sedimentarycommonGypsum family

Gypsite

Hardness: 1.5-2
Luster: Dull
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this gypsite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch gypsite with a known reference. Gypsite sits at Mohs 1.5-2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Gypsite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Gypsite typically shows a dull luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray, yellowish, brownish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: earthy.

Often found alongside gypsite

Minerals reported to co-occur with gypsite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: CaSO₄·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2
Density: 2.3 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray Yellowish Brownish
Streak: White
Luster: Dull
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Earthy
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Agricultural, Industrial
Host rock: Evaporite Deposits
Typical price: $1-10 per specimen

Where rockhounds find gypsite

1 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

United States
Spain
Mexico
Australia
China

Field-hunting tip

Look in evaporite deposits country, the host setting where gypsite typically forms. If you start seeing halite, anhydrite, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a earthy habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Utah. Start trip planning there.

Browse 1 U.S. spots for gypsite →

More gypsite photos

Common questions

How do you identify gypsite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5-2. It typically shows a dull luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, gray, yellowish, brownish.

Where is gypsite found?+

Notable localities include United States; Spain; Mexico; Australia; China.

Can I find gypsite in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 1 gypsite rockhounding spots across 1 U.S. states. The top states are Utah.

How much is gypsite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $1-10 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What minerals are found with gypsite?+

Gypsite commonly co-occurs with halite, anhydrite, dolomite, clay minerals. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does gypsite form in?+

Gypsite typically forms in evaporite deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is gypsite used for?+

Gypsite is used in agricultural, industrial.

Find gypsite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.