Most plaster is made from gypsum.
Gypsum is an unusual rock. It is classified as a mineral, and is a mixture of calcium and sulfates that form together in large crystals or in sedimentary rock layers. Because of the unusual properties of the rock, gypsum is used in a variety of industries for many uses. The high content of calcium present in gypsum even makes it suitable for human consumption.
Additives
Gypsum is used as an additive in many products. It can be ground into a fine powder, which makes it useful for many tasks. Gypsum is added to soil to make the soil better able to absorb moisture. It is also used to make the soil easier to work and to counteract alkaline soils and prevent soil run-off. Gypsum is used in water to settle dirt and oil to filter water for fish and plants.
Medical
Gypsum is also used in the medical industry. Typically, the rocks are ground into a fine powder and used for hard casts to set broken bones and sprains. The powder is used along with strips of cloth to hold the bones in place as they heal. Gypsum is also used to clean teeth and is present in many forms of toothpaste. In the past, people used containers of powdered gypsum to clean their teeth without the added minty flavors and other additives used today.
Household
Many household products also use gypsum in some form or another. Many cosmetic companies use colored gypsum as a coloring agent for makeup and other cosmetic products. Small amounts of gypsum is also used in medical drugs. Many foods use gypsum as a filler material, as it is an approved filler by the FDA. Foods such as beer, wine, canned vegetables, cheese, bread, ice cream and other products use gypsum. According to the National Gypsum Company, people consume about 28 pounds of gypsum in their lifetimes.
Construction
Gypsum is also used in the construction industry. Gypsum is used to make fire-retardant wall board and drywall plasters. The powder is also used to make plaster casts. Some gypsum is also used in cement mixes to add smoothness, color and clarity to the mixtures. Chunks of gypsum are used in countertops and masonry applications to add sparkle to the masonry. The solid state of gypsum is similar to that of quartz or another structured mineral.
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