Bassanite
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Description
A naturally and synthetically occurring mineral composed of an intermediate (one-half) hydrate form of Calcium sulfate that lies between the dihydrate (Gypsum) and the anhydrous (Anhydrite) states. Natural particles of bassanite were first described in 1910 for an occurrence on Mount Vesuvius. Synthetic particles of bassanite occur when gypsum is calcined to form Plaster of Paris.
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Composition = CaSO4-1/2H2O
- Refractive Index = 1.55, 1.57
- Specific gravity = 2.69-2.76
- Microscopically similar to gypsum and plaster of Paris
- Luster = earthy
- Streak = white
Resources and Citations
- Wikipedia: Bassanite Accessed March 2025