Relation Of Gypsum Supplies To Mining

CERTAIN observations from the field and laboratory suggest the need for recasting some of our ideas about gypsum as a rock-forming mineral and in relation to supplies for industrial use. Until about 25 years ago, the use of gypsum was confined almost entirely to agriculture. During the past quarter century, though, its usefulness has been greatly developed, particularly in the building trades, which now absorb most of the gypsum produced. In 1919, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, the output of crude gypsum was 2,240,163 tons, a gain of 912 per cent. in 25 years. About one-half of this production was mined in New York, Ohio, and Michigan, where the proved supplies can hardly be regarded as over-large when viewed in relation to the rapid expansion of industrial requirements. The occurrence of gypsum in the United States is treated by R. W. Stone and others.1 The deposits of Canada are described by L. H. Cole.2 Several states, including Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Michigan, and New York, have had special surveys made their of gypsum deposits, but the reports, as a rule, refer to conditions as they existed from 15 to 20 years ago.