Gypsum is classified as an evaporite sedimentary rock. Evaporites form from the evaporation of water in enclosed basins, where the concentration of dissolved minerals increases, leading to the precipitation of minerals like gypsum and halite. In the case of gypsum, it primarily consists of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO₄·2H₂O) and is commonly found in environments such as ocean lagoons.
light colored rock with coarse grained texture.
The rock pictured here is gypsum. This rock forms in ocean lagoons that are high in dissolved calcium and sulfate. The warm ocean water slowly evaporates, and the calcium and sulfate crystalize, forming gypsum.
What type of sedimentary rock is gypsum?
1 answer