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Is gypsum a gemstone

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Anonymous

11y ago
Updated: 7/4/2023

Gypsum is technically a gemstone, but it is not considered to be a valuable gemstone. This is because it is very soft and has a perfect cleavage, which makes it difficult to facet. However, there are some varieties of gypsum that are prized by collectors, such as selenite, which is a clear, colorless crystal, and desert rose, which is a rosette-shaped crystal.

Here are some of the reasons why gypsum is not considered to be a valuable gemstone:

  • It is very soft, with a Mohs hardness of 2. This means that it can be easily scratched or damaged.
  • It has a perfect cleavage, which means that it can be split into thin sheets. This makes it difficult to facet, as the facets will often chip or break off.
  • It is not very rare. Gypsum is one of the most abundant minerals in the world, and it can be found in many different places.
  • Despite these drawbacks, there are some people who collect gypsum crystals. The clear, colorless crystals of selenite are particularly prized, as they can be used to make jewelry or other decorative items. Desert roses are also popular, as they are a unique and unusual form of gypsum.

So, while gypsum is not a valuable gemstone, it can still be a beautiful and interesting mineral. If you are looking for a gemstone that is affordable and easy to find, gypsum may be a good option for you. You can get all the gemstone specifications and history from Cabochonsforsale visit the for more info.

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James William

Lvl 6
2y ago

What else can I help you with?