Gypsum has been utilized for thousands of years and has a wide variety of uses. This mineral, which is composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate, can be found all over the world and is mined for commercial use. Here are some of the most common uses of gypsum:
Construction Materials
Gypsum is one of the most widely used minerals in construction. Gypsum board, also known as drywall or plasterboard, consists of a core of gypsum sandwiched between paper facers. Gypsum board is used to make interior walls and ceilings and provides several benefits compared to other construction materials. It is fire resistant, easily worked with, and provides sound dampening qualities. Gypsum board accounts for approximately 30% of gypsum consumption. In addition to gypsum board, gypsum is also used to make plasters for walls, ceilings, and decoration. When gypsum is heated, it can be used to make precast decorative moldings and trim.
Soil Amendment
Gypsum can improve certain types of soil. When added to soil, it provides plants with calcium and sulfur, both of which are vital plant nutrients. It also can reduce aluminum toxicity and improve soil aggregation. Furthermore, as gypsum dissolves, the calcium ions can displace sodium ions in saline soils. This helps leach out excess sodium which can be harmful to plants in large quantities. Gypsum is commonly added to agricultural soils that have high sodium content.
Cement Manufacturing
Gypsum is an important component of Portland cement. During the cement manufacturing process, gypsum is added to the clinker to regulate how the cement will set. The calcium sulfate in the gypsum controls the rate of hardening so manufacturers can achieve specific setting times. Gypsum comprises approximately 5% of cement.
Food and Pharmaceutical Additive
Gypsum is permitted for use as a food additive by the FDA. In foods, it is used as a dietary source of calcium. Gypsum is also used to make tofu coagulate and in brewing beer. In addition, gypsum is used in some dietary supplements and medicines. For example, it can be found in some alginate impression materials used in dentistry.
Plaster, Sculpture, and Mold Making
Gypsum has many uses in art due to its fast-setting properties. Plaster of Paris is prepared by heating gypsum to remove some of its water content. The resulting plaster can be molded into sculpture or used to make plaster casts and moldings. Gypsum cement is another type of plaster that contains gypsum and is used similarly. Gypsum alabaster is also a favorite medium used by sculptors.
Other Uses
There are many other uses of gypsum. It is used to make drywall joint compounds and textured paints for walls and ceilings. Gypsum can also be used as a binder in fast-dry tennis court clay. Historically, gypsum was used to make decorative glassware. Today, gypsum has medical applications as well – for example, to make surgical casts. As shown by its abundance of uses, gypsum is an incredibly useful mineral.
