Gypsum naturally occurs in many colors, including yellow, brown, and grey.
Gypsum is a useful soft calcium sulfate mineral most often formed through evaporation of shallow sea water or lake water. It is found layered in sedimentary rock of various ages. Because of its water-soluble and hardening properties, gypsum is used in variety of construction and decorative materials, according to Geology.com. It is an important component of plaster of Paris, cement and wallboard. Natural gypsum deposits can be found in many states. Does this Spark an idea?
New York
The gypsum deposits in New York are clustered around the town of Rochester. A few valuable gypsum sources are also found near Syracuse, among them the Cicero clay pits, according to Mindat.org. The Niagra Falls Quarry, or Redlands Quarry, also contains gypsum.
Kentucky and Virginia
Kentucky and Virginia both have some of the most productive gypsum mining operations in the United States. The Mindat.org website says the largest Kentucky gypsum deposit lies along the outer edge of the Shawnee National Forest. Virginia has a number of mines distributed across the state.
Arizona
According to an article in "The Arizona Republic," Arizona was one of the top 10 producers of gypsum in 2006. The high-capacity mines in the state produce a powdered form of the mineral for use in wallboard and cement. The six mines operating in 2006 were producing more than two million tons of gypsum annually, the article said.
California
Although gypsum mines can be throughout California, many are found around Death Valley, according to the Mindat.org website. The Darwin Mines and Zinc Hill Mine, both just outside Death Valley, mine gypsum from deposits left by sea water trapped in the sedimentary rock.
Washington
Washington's gypsum mines lie along the Canadian border. The Mindat.org website lists the Jennie mine, Gray Eagle mine, and Republic mine as sources of gypsum in Washington. This area of the state is heavily forested and mountainous, increasing the difficulty of transport of mined material.
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