Why is it in the news?
Scientists studying gypsum in Salar de Pajonales found on Earth and Mars.
Category: Geography
Important Points:
● Sedimentary rock composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO₄·2H₂O)
● Occurs in crystal and rock forms
● Found with evaporite minerals like anhydrite and halite
● Forms due to evaporation of saline water
● Found in saline lakes and salt pans
● Marine gypsum recovered in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu salt pans
● Used in cement and Plaster of Paris manufacturing
● Used in agriculture to remove saline/alkaline elements in soil