How much does Gypsum cost?

Gypsum is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth and defines position 2 on the Mohs hardness scale. It forms primarily through evaporation of saline water: as shallow seas, lakes, or lagoons dry up, dissolved calcium sulfate precipitates as gypsum.

The Naica Mine in Chihuahua, Mexico contains the most spectacular gypsum crystals ever found. The Cueva de los Cristales (Cave of Crystals) holds selenite (transparent gypsum) beams up to 12 meters (39 feet) long and weighing 55 tons. These grew over approximately 500,000 years in a cave filled with mineral-saturated water heated by volcanic activity below.

Gypsum occurs in several named varieties: selenite (transparent crystals), satin spar (fibrous, chatoyant), alabaster (massive, fine-grained, carvable), and desert rose (rosette-shaped clusters formed in sand). All are chemically identical calcium sulfate dihydrate.

Gypsum is the basis of plaster of Paris and modern drywall, making it one of the most commercially important minerals in construction.

Identification Guide

Gypsum is identified by its low hardness (Mohs 2, can be scratched with a fingernail but takes more effort than talc), perfect cleavage in one direction, and characteristic crystal forms. Selenite crystals are unmistakable: clear, flat, blade-like forms.

Distinguish from calcite (harder at 3, effervesces in acid), selenite the mineral vs. 'selenite' lamps (which may actually be halite), and talc (softer at 1, greasier feel).

Spotting Fakes

Gypsum itself is not faked, but 'selenite' products require attention. Some 'selenite' towers and lamps are actually orange halite (salt) or carved marble rather than true gypsum. Real selenite is relatively soft (scratchable with a fingernail), and dissolves slowly in water. If your 'selenite' lamp tastes salty, it's halite. Genuine selenite should not be cleansed with water as it will gradually dissolve.

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Verify Gypsum Before You Buy

Affiliate picks

Gypsum gets imitated with glass, dyed stand-ins, and cheaper lookalikes. These four tools run the checks in the Spotting Fakes section above, so you can tell real from fake before you pay - online, at a show, or in a shop.

10x triplet jeweler's loupe$20-40
The first tool worth owning. Round gas bubbles (glass), dye pooled in cracks (dyed howlite, magnesite, agate), and flow lines are invisible to the naked eye and obvious at 10x. A triplet lens keeps the edges sharp.
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Mohs hardness pick set~$40
Calibrated picks settle the cheap swaps in seconds - howlite (3.5) sold as turquoise (5-6), glass (5.5) sold as quartz (7). Faster and more accurate than the fingernail-and-knife method.
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0.01g digital pocket scale~$15
Density catches what the eye misses. A glass 'quartz' weighs suspiciously light; lead-loaded plastic 'lapis' weighs suspiciously heavy. Weigh, compare to the known density, and flag the mismatch before the money leaves your hand.
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365nm UV flashlight$20-30
Many stones have a distinctive fluorescence (hyalite opal, fluorite, ruby, scheelite). A longwave UV light is the fastest tiebreaker when a piece passes the other tests but still looks off.
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Cultural & Metaphysical Traditions

Presented as cultural traditions, not scientific evidence

Selenite (clear gypsum) is one of the most popular crystals in the metaphysical market, used for cleansing other crystals, clearing spaces, and connecting to higher guidance. The Naica crystal cave specimens are considered among the most energetically powerful mineral formations on Earth. Named after Selene, Greek goddess of the Moon.

Metaphysical and “healing” associations are cultural traditions, not medical advice or scientific fact. Crystals are not a substitute for professional medical care.

ChakraCrown ChakraThird Eye ZodiacCancer ZodiacTaurus ElementWater ElementAir

Where It's Found

Mexico - Naica Mine, Chihuahua

Crystal Cave with 12-meter gypsum crystals, the largest on Earth

Worldwide - Every continent

One of the most common minerals

Morocco - Various

Fine crystal specimens

United States - White Sands, New Mexico

White gypsum dune field, 275 sq miles

Price Guide

Entry$2-10 small specimens

Mid-Range$10-50 selenite towers

Collector$50-500+ fine crystal specimens or desert roses

Good to Know

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Scratch test: At hardness 2, Gypsum can be scratched with a fingernail. This is a display specimen, not a wearable stone.

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Global supply: Found in 4 notable locations worldwide, from Mexico to United States.

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Heft test: With a specific gravity of 2.32, Gypsum feels lighter than most minerals. This lightness can help identify it.

Care & Safety

What gypsum can and cannot tolerate, based on its hardness (Mohs 2) and chemistry (CaSO₄·2H₂O).

Can Gypsum go in water?

No, never. Water-soluble. This includes selenite towers, satin spar, and desert roses. Never use water for cleaning.

Can Gypsum go in salt water?

No, never. Gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O) is water-soluble in any form, including selenite and satin spar. Salt water is even more aggressive than fresh water and will permanently etch the surface.

Water safety for every stone →Full crystal care guide →