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How to Dissolve Gypsum With HCL

Gypsum is a soft, pale, calcium-based mineral. When used in masonry and other construction work, it is often called plaster of Paris. Gypsum dissolves easily in a warm solution of dilute hydrochloric acid. Researchers use this method to dissolve gypsum in soils when the mineral is getting in the way of their soil research.

Things You'll Need

  • 25 g of gypsum-containing soil sample
  • 25 ml of a 2M solution of hydrogen chloride
  • 500 ml water
  • Electric stirrer
  • Beaker
  • Goggles
  • Gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put the soil sample in the beaker, and add 25 millileters of 2M hydrogen chloride.

    • 2

      Add 500 millileters of water.

    • 3

      Use the electric stirrer on the mixture for a full hour. Allow it to clear and decant. Sparse crystals of gypsum should appear on the sides of the beaker.

    • 4

      Continue shaking and decanting until no further gypsum crystals can be seen.

Rocks & Minerals
Rocks & Minerals

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