The mineral Gypsum precipitated some 100 to 200 million years ago when sea water evaporated. From a chemical point of view it is Calcium Sulphate Dihydrate
(CaSO4.2H2O) deposited in sedimentary layers on the sea bed.

Under high pressure and temperature Gypsum turns into Anhydrite (CaSO4).

In nature, Gypsum and Anyhdrite occur as beds or nodular masses up to a few metres thick. Gypsum is formed by the hydration of Anhydrite. The depth of hydration can range from the surface of the deposit down to three hundred metres, depending on temperature and pressure, topography and the structure of the deposit.
The content of Gypsum in sedimentary rock varies from 75% to 95%, the rest being clay and chalk.

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