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.
Is this gypsite?
3-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry 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.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: dull.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, gray, yellowish, brownish.
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
- Mohs hardness
- 1.5-2
- Density
- 2.3 g/cm³
- Luster
- Dull
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Agricultural, Industrial
- Host rock
- evaporite deposits
Where rockhounds find gypsite
1 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- United States
- Spain
- Mexico
- Australia
- China
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: evaporite deposits. If you start seeing halite, anhydrite, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Utah. Start trip planning there.
More gypsite photos
Common questions
How do you identify gypsite?+
Where is gypsite found?+
Can I find gypsite in the United States?+
What minerals are found with gypsite?+
What kind of rock does gypsite form in?+
What is gypsite used for?+
Find gypsite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
