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

No image

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 — that is 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 →

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.