Overview
Gypsum is a naturally occurring mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO₄·2H₂O). It forms through the evaporation of saline water and is found in sedimentary rock layers worldwide. The white variety, commonly called 'white plaster,' is prized for its purity and workability. In its natural state, gypsum is soft (Mohs hardness of 2) and can be scratched with a fingernail. When heated to about 150°C, it loses water molecules to become calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CaSO₄·½H₂O), known as plaster of Paris, which regains hardness when mixed with water.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Gypsum crystals are monoclinic, often forming tabular or prismatic structures. The mineral's low thermal conductivity and inherent fire resistance make it valuable for construction materials. When heated above 150°C, it undergoes calcination, losing 75% of its water content. The solubility of gypsum in water is unique - it decreases with temperature increase above 40°C. This property affects its industrial processing. Chemically, gypsum is inert under normal conditions but can react with aluminum in moist environments, which is considered in certain industrial applications.
Main Applications
Approximately 75% of gypsum production is used to manufacture plasterboard (drywall) for construction. In agriculture, finely ground gypsum serves as a calcium and sulfur fertilizer and soil conditioner, particularly for sodic soils. The dental and medical fields use high-purity gypsum for casts and molds. In art, gypsum's calcined form (plaster of Paris) is essential for sculpture casting. Industrial applications include use as a cement retarder to control setting time and as a filler in paper, paints, and pharmaceuticals. Recent developments include fire-resistant building panels and 3D printing materials.
Safety and Storage
Gypsum poses minimal health risks but dust inhalation should be avoided as it may irritate respiratory systems. Appropriate dust control measures and personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks are recommended during handling of powdered forms. Storage requires protection from moisture to prevent caking. Bulk gypsum should be stored on pallets in dry warehouses. Industrial-grade material typically has a shelf life of 12 months when properly stored. Fire precautions are minimal as gypsum is non-combustible and actually used as a fire barrier in construction.
B2B Procurement Guide
Industrial buyers should specify: purity (typically 90-99% for most applications), particle size distribution (important for reaction rates and workability), and moisture content (usually <1% for processed grades). Packaging options range from bulk shipments (railcars or trucks) to 25kg or 50lb bags. Quality indicators include brightness (for white grades), consistency of particle size, and absence of impurities like quartz or clay. Lead times vary by region but average 2-4 weeks for bulk orders. Consider proximity to gypsum quarries when sourcing to minimize transportation costs, which can significantly impact total procurement costs.
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