What is Gypsum?
Gypsum is part of the calcium sulfate family of chemicals. The three important calcium sulfate compounds include:

Gypsum: Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate (CaSO₄ - 2H₂O).
Anhydrite: Anhydrous Calcium Sulfate (CaSO₄)
Plaster of Paris: Calcium Hemihydrate (CaSO₄ - 1/2 H₂O)

Although similar, the distinction among these compounds is important. For example, while Anhydrite is often referred to as Gypsum, it is actually a much harder crystal that when used in agricultural applications, will dissolve much slower than gypsum, affecting its rate of availability.


Other Mineral Associations
Since it forms easily from saline waters, gypsum has many inclusions of other minerals. Common associated minerals include halite, calcite, sulfur, pyrite and borax, among others.


Where does Gypsum come from?
Formed by the evaporation of saline deposits from seawater, gypsum is an abundant mineral found in all parts of the world. Some of the most notable national deposits include California, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio and Michigan. Gypsum is also commonly found in France, Switzerland and Mexico, and other parts of the world.


Uses of Gypsum
Nearly 80 percent of the gypsum mined in North America is used to manufacture wallboard and building plasters. When ground gypsum is calcined (heated), the water is partially removed, forming plaster of Paris. A slurry of water and plaster of Paris deposited between two sheets of paper forms gypsum wallboard when the gypsum sets up, or rehydrates.

Besides being a low cost material, Gypsum is also fire resistant and provides good sound insulation, two very positive attributes of gypsum board that benefit the building industry.

Due to its unique properties, and because it is non-toxic, Gypsum is used in a seemingly endless number of products including: food additives, beer brewing, casting plasters, toothpaste, medicines, and as a soil amendment in the agricultural industry.


Agricultural Uses
There are many benefits to using gypsum in agricultural applications. Primarily, Gypsum is used as a soil amendment to improve water penetration and increase the level of calcium in the soil.

For additional information, contact Western Mining and Minerals at: 800.247.4497 and info@westernminingandminerals.com.