Uses of Gypsum
Gypsum is a soft mineral that is white or colorless when it doesn’t contain any impurities. Here are some of the more common uses of gypsum in today’s world!
Uses of Gypsum
- Drywall, the finish for walls and ceilings, is made of gypsum (called Gypsum Board).
- Gypsum is also used as one ingredient in plaster.
- While not used as often today, gypsum is sometimes added to fertilizers. Gypsum promotes the growth and health of a plant.
- Some clay courts in tennis are often ‘binded’ by gypsum. In other words, the gypsum helps bind the clay to make the surface faster and dryer.
- Plaster of Paris is made by heating gypsum. This is used to make surgical splints and casting molds.
- Gypsum is added to foot creams, shampoos and other hair products (conditioners etc).
- It can also be used to make honey wine (also called mead). Honey wine is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey and water with yeast. Gypsum is added as another ingredient at times.
- Gypsum is one component of Portland cement. It prevents flash (fast) setting of concrete.
- Gypsum is added to tofu to help it coagulate (come together). This makes it a very important source of calcium in the diet of Asians who don’t traditionally use dairy products in their foods.
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