Where does Gypsum come from?
Formed by the evaporation of saline deposits from seawater, gypsum is an abundant mineral found in all parts of the world. Some of the most notable national deposits include California, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio and Michigan. Gypsum is also commonly found in France, Switzerland and Mexico, and other parts of the world. Uses of Gypsum Nearly 80 percent of the gypsum mined in North America is used to manufacture wallboard and building plasters. When ground gypsum is calcined (heated), the water is partially removed, forming plaster of Paris. A slurry of water and plaster of Paris deposited between two sheets of paper forms gypsum wallboard when the gypsum sets up, or rehydrates. Besides being a low cost material, Gypsum is also fire resistant and provides good sound insulation, two very positive attributes of gypsum board that benefit the building industry. Due to its unique properties, and because it is non-toxic, Gypsum is used in a seemingly endless number of products including
