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Difference between Gypsum and Anhydrite

Difference between Gypsum and Anhydrite

Gypsum and anhydrite are both minerals that are often used in plaster and construction. However, there is a big difference between these two minerals. Gypsum is a soft mineral that is composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate, while anhydrite is a hard mineral that is composed of calcium sulfate hemihydrate. Anhydrite takes longer to set than gypsum, making it better for construction purposes. Gypsum can also be used to make plaster ornaments and decorations. So if you’re looking for a soft mineral that sets quickly, gypsum is the right choice for you. If you need a hard mineral that sets slowly, go with anhydrite.

What is Gypsum?

Anhydrite is a very water-soluble sulfate mineral that is most commonly found in evaporite deposits. It has a chemical formula of CaSO4 and is considered to be a calcium salt of sulfurous acid. Anhydrite typically forms as an evaporation product in saline lakes, marine basins, and/or playa lakes. Deposits of anhydrite can also be found in caves that have low humidity levels. Anhydrite is colorless or white in appearance and is normally translucent. It has a Mohs hardness of 3 and a specific gravity of 2.9. Anhydrite typically occurs in the form of massive beds or deposits and can sometimes be found as hydrothermal veins. Anhydrite can be used in a variety of different industries including cement production, mining, and drilling muds.

What is Anhydrite?

Anhydrite is a very water-soluble sulfate mineral that is most commonly found in evaporite deposits. It has a chemical formula of CaSO4 and is considered to be a calcium salt of sulfurous acid. Anhydrite typically forms as an evaporation product in saline lakes, marine basins, and/or playa lakes. Deposits of anhydrite can also be found in caves that have low humidity levels. Anhydrite is colorless or white in appearance and is normally translucent. It has a Mohs hardness of 3 and a specific gravity of 2.9. Anhydrite typically occurs in the form of massive beds or deposits and can sometimes be found as hydrothermal veins. Anhydrite can be used in a variety of different industries including cement production, mining, and drilling muds.

Difference between Gypsum and Anhydrite

Gypsum is a hydrated calcium sulfate salt that is soft and efflorescent. Gypsum deposits often form as an evaporation product in playas and arid climates. It is also a common byproduct of Gypsum in flue-gas desulfurization plants. Gypsum typically has a lower solubility than Anhydrite anhydrite, which is why it is more commonly found in nature. When Gypsum is mixed with water, it will rehydrate and turn back into calcium sulfate dihydrate. Anhydrite, on the other hand, is anhydrous calcium sulfate. Anhydrite does not absorb water easily, which makes it ideal for use in construction materials such as Portland cement. Gypsum can be used as a fertilizer, due to its high calcium content, but it must be finely ground to be effective. Gypsum can also be used in plasterboard and blackboard chalk. Anhydrite has few uses due to its lack of water solubility. However, some industries use anhydrite in the production of pigments and barium chemicals. In summary, gypsum is hydrated calcium sulfate salt that is soft and efflorescent

Conclusion

So, what is the difference between gypsum and anhydrite? Gypsum is a hydrated calcium sulfate mineral that forms as an evaporite in sedimentary rocks. Anhydrite is a calcium sulfate mineral that does not contain water molecules within its crystal structure. When heated, gypsum will dehydrate to form anhydrite.

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