A common location for gypsum, an evaporite mineral, is layered sedimentary deposits with the minerals halite, anhydrite, sulfur, calcite, and dolomite. Anhydrite (CaSO4) and gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) are highly similar minerals. Gypsum and anhydrite are different chemically in that gypsum includes two fluids while anhydrite does not.The production of wallboard, cement, plaster of Paris, soil conditioning, and use as a hardening retarder in portland cement are all examples of uses for gypsum.
Gypsum is a versatile mineral that has numerous uses in various industries. Here are some common applications of gypsum:
- Construction: Gypsum is widely used in the construction industry for various purposes. It is primarily used to make gypsum plaster, which is applied on walls and ceilings to create a smooth and durable surface. Gypsum plaster is also used as a base for painting and wallpaper. Additionally, gypsum is used in the production of gypsum boards (drywall), which are widely used for interior walls and ceilings in residential and commercial buildings.
- Agriculture: Gypsum is utilized in agriculture to improve soil quality and enhance crop growth. It is often applied as a soil amendment to soils with high sodium content or poor drainage. Gypsum helps in breaking up compacted soil, improving water penetration, and reducing soil erosion. It also provides calcium and sulfur, essential nutrients for plant growth.
- Cement and concrete: Gypsum is used as an additive in the production of cement and concrete. It helps regulate the setting time of cement and improves its workability. Gypsum is added to cement during the grinding process and can also be used as a separate additive to control the setting time of concrete.
- Plasterboard and drywall: Gypsum boards, commonly known as drywall or plasterboard, are extensively used in the construction industry for interior walls and ceilings. The boards consist of a gypsum core sandwiched between paper liners. Drywall is easy to install, provides fire resistance, and helps with sound insulation in buildings.
- Fertilizers: Gypsum is a source of calcium and sulfur, making it suitable for use in fertilizers. It is often used as a calcium fertilizer in agricultural applications to supplement soil nutrients and improve plant health.
- Art and crafts: Gypsum has been used for centuries in art and crafts. It can be sculpted and carved into various shapes, making it a popular material for statues, figurines, and decorative items. Gypsum is also used in mold-making for casting objects in ceramics and other materials.
- Dental applications: In dentistry, gypsum is used to make dental models and casts. Dental stone, a type of gypsum product, is used to create accurate replicas of teeth and oral structures for various dental procedures, such as making crowns, bridges, and dentures.
- Soil stabilization: Gypsum can be used for soil stabilization in areas prone to erosion, such as construction sites or slopes. It helps bind soil particles together, reducing erosion and promoting vegetation growth.