Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate, with the chemical formula CaSO4.2H2O.

Crude gypsum is used as a fluxing agent, fertilizer, filler in paper and textiles, and retarder in portland cement. About three-fourths of the total Productsion is calcined for use as plaster of paris and as building materials in plaster, Keene’s cement, board Products, and tiles and blocks.