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Specialty Chemistry Forums => Chemical Engineering Forum => Topic started by: mohdmerhi on August 22, 2012, 04:38:37 PM

Title: Gypsum Identification
Post by: mohdmerhi on August 22, 2012, 04:38:37 PM

Hi

Is there a fast way to check if the salt deposits I can see in my experiment are dihydrated Calcium Sulfate?

Much appreciated

Title: Re: Gypsum Identification
Post by: Arkcon on August 22, 2012, 05:07:48 PM

There are chemical reactions specific to calcium and sulfate, yes.  You might also be able to identify the crystals by their physical properties.

Title: Re: Gypsum Identification
Post by: Stepan on August 23, 2012, 07:15:57 AM

What instruments do you have access to?

Title: Re: Gypsum Identification
Post by: curiouscat on August 24, 2012, 08:58:13 AM

As a first approximation try an elemental analysis. Do you at least have Ca / S in them? :)