gypsum

/ˈdʒɪpsəm/

/ˈdʒɪpsəm/

Other forms: gypsums

Gypsum is a mineral — specifically, hydrated calcium sulfate — used in making many types of cement and plaster, especially plaster of Paris. It’s also in cement, tofu, and beer. Yum?

Gypsum is everywhere! If you're studying chemistry or just want to build something, you may encounter gypsum, which is a white, chalky (or sometimes colorless) mineral used to make plaster of Paris and other building materials such as cement. Plaster of Paris is named from the massive gypsum deposits of Montmartre in Paris. But you won’t just find gypsum in art class. Besides its use in building materials, gypsum is used in making fertilizer and tofu.

Definitions of gypsum

1. noun

   a common white or colorless mineral (hydrated calcium sulphate) used to make cements and plasters (especially plaster of Paris)
   types:

   alabaster

   a compact fine-textured, usually white gypsum used for carving

   gesso

   gypsum or plaster of Paris spread on a surface to make it suitable for painting or gilding (or a surface so prepared)

   terra alba

   finely pulverized gypsum used especially as a pigment

   type of:

   mineral

   solid homogeneous inorganic substances occurring in nature having a definite chemical composition

   calcium sulfate, calcium sulphate

   a white salt (CaSO4)