*** All information about the metaphysical properties of the listings on this site is for reference only and is to be understood in this context. It is based on research of opinions and beliefs from different cultures today and throughout history and my own personal beliefs.The information is not to be taken as a replacement for a medical examination, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice, please consult a healthcare professional. ***

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These particular Bladed Gypsum pieces are from NW of Sinclair gap (Kimba gap), this lake is locally known as 'Sinclair Gap Lake', or 'Sinclair's Gap Lake'. It is however, officially (gazetted by the government) named Middlebacks Main Lake.

This piece weighs 5g and measures 6cm x 1cm.

It should be noted, very few specimens are labelled with the correct location. Middlebacks Main Lake, is the largest, and southern most of a group of four seasonal salt water lakes. The others are named (in order as you go north), 'Three Mile Lake', 'Four Mile Lake', and 'Four and Half Mile Lake'. All four of these lakes are known to produce gypsum specimens.

The word “gypsum” actually derives from Greek ‘gypsos’, meaning ‘chalk’. In Old English, Gypsum was called spærstān, meaning “spear stone,” after its spear-like pointed crystals. While some Gypsum is chalky (plaster of paris), other forms are compact clear crystals or larger clear windowlike panes and tabular blades (selenite), fibrous rods (satin spar), delicate rose or flower shaped crystals (sand roses), and massive, compact, and somewhat translucent alabaster.

Natural gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) is a sedimentary mineral formed by cyclical evaporation and rehydration of soils rich in calcium and sulfates. The source of the calcium and sulfates may be from the local soils where the gypsum occurs or from distant calcium salt and sulfate deposits eroded and transported to the site over time by flowing water. Either way, as the mineral carrying water evaporates or percolates away into the ground, the calcium and sulfate combine to form molecules and crystals of hydrated calcium sulfate or Gypsum, the most common of the sulfate mineral class. The mineral is soft and lustorous, with a Mohs hardness of just 2.

Gypsum is generally found around more compact or dense deposits of limestone, alabaster, or selenite and has the appearance and feel of plaster of paris, which is exactly what plaster of paris is. Whether it is powdery or compact and carved into statuary, jewelry, or other art pieces gypsum retains its basic composition as hydrated calcium sulfate. Due to inclusion of trace minerals, its colour may range from colourless to white, grey, yellowish, reddish, greenish, or brown. 

The uses of gypsum are diverse and historic, dating back to early civilizations who prized it for use in construction, statuary, art, and even as windows. Today, it is classified as a non-toxic mineral for use in farming, foods, healthcare, and building materials, it’s primary use. Nearly half of gypsum produced in the United States is now manufactured as an environmental remediation for removing sulfur from coal and natural gas consumption, but natural gypsum is still mined right here in Arkansas. I’ll be visiting one of these mines later this week and will include the results of my visit in the next post as I continue in this series about gypsum.

Gypsum is known as the stone of flowing energy, not just because of its intimate relationship with water, but due to its structure that channels energy in both linear and planar directions. Because of its polar molecular structure, metaphysically, gypsum is a strong energy conductor that encourages energetic flow, cleansing, removal of blockages, and strengthening and repair of damage to desirable energetic balance.  It is an excellent tool for clearing other crystals and auric entanglements.

Gypsum is considered in Traditional Chinese Medicine to be a Clear Interior Heat herb. This is Heat that has penetrated into the body and is causing significant Fire symptoms such as very high fevers with no chills, irritability, extreme thirst, dark and scanty urine, dry stools, constipation or diarrhea, and possible abdominal distention. Symptoms may also include what is called, “feelings of warmth” in the “five centers” (the palms of the hand, the soles of the feet, and the sternum).

Gypsum can interact with and support all living things, both physically and energetically. The ability of gypsum to easily dissolve in water and then reform over time demonstrates its ability to assist one to move, evolve, and change, without ever losing who they really are. In its various forms, gypsum may acquire some additional metaphysical properties, but it never loses any of the ones associated with its most basic form.

Native Americans place Gypsum, n any form, at the center of a medicine wheel to tie the six directions of sky, earth, north, south, east, and west and leads to greater unity, right thinking, and alignment of purpose. Because gypsum readily absorbs water, it is often used in rain ceremonies, where in powdery form it is thrown into the air to absorb its moisture and then fall to the ground. It becomes a conduit, path, or vessel to carry the water (or energy) just as one goes to a well, draws the water, and carries it back to the home, or crops, or livestock.

Gypsum may be helpful in the elimination of feelings of being stuck and mired down with stagnant energy and perceived obstacles. Gypsum is a supportive energy base for character growth and personal improvement. Gypsum provides helpful balancing energies, when it feels like life is moving too fast, Gypsum is a helpful crystal tool providing grounding, stability, and sustainability.

Gypsum creates mental calming and an understanding of thoughts so one may move forward with focus and clarity. Gypsum sets an energetic foundation for creativity and innovative use of materials.