Gypsum
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Gypsum
Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate, with the chemical formula CaSO4·2H2O. It is a common evaporite mineral that forms in sedimentary environments, typically as a result of the evaporation of seawater or saline lake water. Gypsum occurs in various forms, including massive, crystalline, and fibrous varieties, and is often found in thick beds or layers. Its color ranges from white to gray, yellow, brown, or pink, depending on the presence of impurities. Gypsum has a Mohs hardness of 2, making it one of the softest minerals on Earth. It is widely used in the construction industry as a key ingredient in plaster, drywall, and cement. When heated, gypsum undergoes a process called calcination, where it loses water and transforms into a hemihydrate known as plaster of Paris. This material has the ability to reabsorb water and harden, making it useful for creating molds, casts, and decorative elements. Gypsum also finds applications in agriculture as a soil conditioner and in the food industry as a source of dietary calcium. Its unique properties, abundance, and versatility make gypsum an important mineral resource with significant economic and practical value.
Calcium sulfate, Plaster of Paris, Drywall, Soil conditioner, Evaporite
Gypsum
Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate, with the chemical formula CaSO4·2H2O. It is widely used in various industries due to its unique properties, including its ability to harden into a solid mass when mixed with water. Gypsum is commonly found in sedimentary rocks and is often associated with other minerals such as halite and sulfur. One of the most common uses of gypsum is in the construction industry, where it is used to make plasterboard and other building materials. When gypsum is heated to around 150°C, it loses its water content and becomes a powder known as plaster of Paris. This powder can be mixed with water to form a paste that can be used to make molds, casts, and other decorative items. Gypsum is also used in agriculture as a soil conditioner. It can help to improve soil structure, increase water retention, and provide essential nutrients such as calcium and sulfur to plants. In addition, gypsum can help to reduce soil erosion and improve crop yields. In the medical field, gypsum is used to make casts and splints for broken bones. It is also used in dentistry to make dental impressions and models. Gypsum has a low toxicity and is considered safe for use in these applications. Overall, gypsum is a versatile mineral with a wide range of uses in various industries. Its unique properties make it an important material for construction, agriculture, and medicine.
construction, agriculture, medicine, plaster of Paris, soil conditioner
CITATION : "Daniel White. 'Gypsum.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/gypsum?E=412366 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"
Gypsum on Design+Encyclopedia
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