Gypsum, a Tricky Material

• DOI: 10.2136/sssaj2008.0224
• Publication Date: 2009-09-17T02:24:44Z
• Authors: J. Herrero; O. Artieda; W.H. Hudnall
• Keywords: Anhydrite

The familiarity of mankind with gypsum and its simple composition are in contrast the frequent mistakes reported for behavior role nature. Gypsum has been studied as a raw material, rock constituent, an indicator geological archaeological conditions, from other points view. However, Earth surface processes, relationship to life through calcium equilibrium carbonates structural water molecules, seems overlooked. Moreover, errors formulation, analysis, obscure some roles within semi‐solubility explains actions many soils. softness, fragility, crystal often not considered. Routinely drying at 105°C pulverizing samples lab analyses casts suspicion on all analytical results because becomes anhydrite and/or bassanite this temperature. Specific physicochemical models needed predict soils mainly composed gypsum.