search
  • Different Types of Gypsum, Uses and FAQs

    Gypsum is a mineral that can be found in various items we use today. It is used to produce drywall and Portland cement, moulds for dental impressions and dinnerware, and to build highways and roads. If you want to know more about gypsum and its uses, then keep reading below:

    What is Gypsum?

    Gypsum, also called calcium sulphate hydrate, is a mineral found in sedimentary rock. Gypsum is formed by the evaporation and replacement of waters containing sulphates and calcium.

    Grey or white in colour, this amazing mineral can be crushed into fine dust and heated until most of the moisture is eliminated. This process is called calcination. Once this process is complete, water is then added to the powder to create a malleable material that can be moulded into any shape and will solidify to hold that form. Gypsum can also be added to other raw materials to join them together. 

    Thanks to its binding powers, gypsum is a key component in most toothpaste. It is also used in lots of foods including ice cream, canned vegetables, and tofu; as a plaster to create surgical casts; and as a fertiliser, conditioner, and amendment for agricultural application.

    Some of the other things gypsum can be used for include:

    • For making mead and brewing beer
    • As a reinforcing component in Portland cement
    • On highways and roads
    • As classroom or pavement chalk
    • In hair products like creams and shampoos
    • For clearing particles in ponds
    • For creating plasterboard, drywall, or wallboard
    • For binding the clay on tennis courts
    • As moulds for car windows, dinnerware, and dental impressions
    • And lots more!

    Desirable Properties of Gypsum

    Some of the most desirable properties of gypsum include:

    • The accuracy
    • Ability to reproduce.
    • Dimensional stability
    • Strength
    • Compatibility with impression materials
    • Resistance to abrasion
    • Colour
    • Cost
    • Ease of use
    • safety

    Different Types of Gypsum

    As we mentioned above, natural gypsum can be found in sedimentary rock formations. Natural gypsum can be mined in over 85 countries around the world, including Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Gypsum rock is mined or quarried, crushed, or ground into a fine powder. The calcined gypsum becomes the base for gypsum plaster, gypsum boards, and other gypsum products. 

    Another type of gypsum is synthetic gypsum. One example of synthetic gypsum is FGD gypsum. FGD gypsum and natural gypsum have the same chemical makeup – they are both calcium sulphate dihydrate. FGD gypsum has become extremely popular over the last few years. This is because the sales and production of FGD gypsum push power producers to obtain waste for reuse. This helps to reduce environmental pollution.

    Other synthetic gypsums include:

    1. Glue-gas desulfurization (FGD)
    2. Citrogypsum
    3. Titanogypsum – this is a by-product of producing titanium dioxide.
    4. Fluorogypsum

    Both synthetic and natural gypsum are considered safe and non-toxic. However, some types of gypsum are considered unsuitable due to the environmental hazards they pose. 

    Gypsum Uses

    Gypsum and gypsum products are mainly used for construction purposes. However, this is not the only use of this amazing mineral. Gypsum can also be used in industry for making moulds, pottery etc. It is used by orthopaedic doctors to make plaster casts and can be used by dentists for cast preparation, dies and models, investment material, impression material, mounting of casts, and as a mould for processing of complete dentures etc. Gypsum can also be used for a range of other purposes too. 

    FAQs

    Here are some of the FAQs about gypsum:

    • When was gypsum first discovered? – Evidence suggests that the Egyptians were the first people to use gypsum as a building material. The Egyptians discovered that this mineral could be made into plaster. Once they had learnt this, they started using it everywhere inside their pyramids, palaces, and tombs. As the pyramids are still going strong today, thousands of years on, gypsum has proven to be an extremely strong and durable building material.
    • Where did the name gypsum come from? – gypsum was named by the ancient Greeks. The word comes from the ancient Greek term “gypsos”, which means plaster. 
    • Is gypsum fire retardant? – evidence suggests that gypsum covered walls offer some degree of fire protection. Nowadays the ceilings and walls of many buildings are coated with drywall. This is because drywall is not only simple to install, and easy to finish with a coat of paint, but it also offers some degree of fire protection too. Although gypsum is not completely fireproof, it will help to protect a property from damage for some time. 
    • How should you store gypsum board? – it is always advisable to hold off ordering gypsum products until they are needed on site. This will help to minimise damage to the material and reduce the risk of mould growth in nearby areas of raised moisture. It is also advisable to store gypsum boards in an enclosed, dry area such as a garage. This can help to minimise exposure to rain, etc. 

    Although you may not realise it, gypsum plays an important part in our lives. In fact, gypsum is all around us. It can be found in most of our homes, hygiene, and food products, and it can also be added to other materials to make them bond together. So, the next time you are brushing your teeth, sitting at home, enjoying a game of tennis, walking down the street, or even washing your hair, think about how all these things are feasible because of a mineral called gypsum. 

    50 Best Tiles for Walls in Home Design

    Tiles for walls are more than just practical elements of your home interiors—they are design statements that bring both beauty and functionality to your spaces. Have you ever wondered how a simple change in wall tiles can transform an entire room? With endless options in materials, textures, and designs, tiles can enhance any room, from […]

    Read More

    25 Practical Bedroom Wardrobe Designs to Elevate Your Space

    Creating the perfect wardrobe design for your bedroom interiors can feel like a challenging puzzle. After all, this piece of furniture isn’t just for storing clothes – it’s also a defining feature of your room’s style and a key element of organization. It’s not just a practical necessity; it’s also an essential element that contributes […]

    Read More

    Types Of Marble: 10 Incredible Marble Varieties

    Given a marble’s beauty and timelessness, the variety and types of marble are extensive and boundless in the modern world. Different types exhibit different colors, patterns, and textures based on their origin. That being said, selecting the right type and variety that suits your space is crucial to justify the beauty of marble. Regardless of […]

    Read More

    Marble Bathroom Designs: 15 Ideas For Your Home

    Marble bathroom designs transform your bathroom interiors to a great extent, considering marble’s purity, shine, and grace. With bold veining, rich texture, and different colorations, marble can transform an ordinary bathroom into a different level of refined relaxation. From sleek, minimalistic designs to strong statement pieces, marble suits your styles, rendered to be equally complimentary […]

    Read More

    25 Stunning False Ceiling Designs for Your Living Room

    When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]

    Read More

    20 Amazing Interior Wall Designs For Indian Spaces

    As soon as you enter a space, walls define its boundary, volume, style, and experience. Interior wall designs are crucial in determining the mood and aesthetic appeal of an interior space. To create a one-of-a-kind space for occupants and guests, the interplay of interior wall designs and their volume is key. To evoke a feeling […]

    Read More

    Small Bathroom Layouts: How to Maximize Space and Style

    In small bathroom layouts, every square inch counts. Without a thoughtful plan, a small space can quickly become cluttered, making it feel even more cramped. The right bathroom layout not only enhances functionality in interiors but also creates a sense of openness. Think about it—how frustrating is it to move around a bathroom where the […]

    Read More

    50 Modern Living Room Storage Ideas For Indian Homes

    Do you enjoy keeping games, books, and ornaments in your hallway? This carefully chosen collection of living room storage ideas will complement your interior decor and be suitable for Indian homes. These are chosen from a shortlist of different product designers’ living room storage designs on Archioo. The following living room storage concepts have been […]

    Read More

    TV Unit Design In Bedroom: 15 Stunning Ideas For Indian Homes

    Creating a TV unit design in bedroom requires the right balance of functionality, optimization, and aesthetics to enhance the space. Apart from cots and wardrobes, TV units in a bedroom play a pivotal role in captivating an individual’s attention. Keeping in mind, the design theme and concept of your home, the TV unit design in […]

    Read More

    Parallel Kitchen Design: 20 Stunning Ideas For Indian Homes

    Are you worried about the small space left in your kitchen? In parallel kitchen design, the layout divides the kitchen into two parallel counters. Including the parallel kitchen design, the work sequence includes store, wash, prepare, cook, serve, eat, and be followed by clear and wash up. From the sequences, we learn that three appliances […]

    Read More
  • Electrical Safety Tips To Protect Your Home & Family

    Types Of Materials For Outdoor Furniture - How To Choose The Right Type