Packet from Virginia Tech for the Center of the Known ...

24. The Oriental variety of it is a type of calcite, is often translucent with dark or colored streaks, and was used in ancient Egyptian and Roman tombs. The true variety of it is a type of gypsum with a hardness of about 1.5, a uniform, fine grain, and a snow-white color, and is carved and used in statuary. ................
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