Physical Properties : Calcium sulphate is a light, porous,crystalline structure chemical compound that occurs naturally as the mineral , anhydrite or gypsum. The hydrated form is gypsum, which loses water when heated to form plaster of Paris.It is usually white but some ores also has a blue , grey , or reddish tinge . It has a melting point of 1450 degree c .It is odourless and only slightly soluble in water . Calcium sulfate also occur in forms known as selenite, terra alba, satinite, satin spar, and light spar .
Synonyms : Calcium sulphate ,anhydrous gypsum ,anhydrous sulphate of lime .
Chemical Formula : Ca(So)4
Uses : Calcium sulphate is used as a direct additive in cement and food industry . Its food processing includes dietary supplement , yeasting of food and increasing its yield content , and as a dough conditioner and stiffener .It also act as a filler , PH buffer ,carrier and a standardizing agent . It helps in increasing the calcium content of water used for brewing beer. In animal feeds , calcium sulfate is used as a source of sulfur and calcium. It also finds its application as a gelling agent , soil conditioner , coating agent in paper , cosmetics and tooth paste .Chemically it is used in the manufacture of sulphuric acid and sulphur , and in the study of zinc ores . Last but not the least ,calcium sulphate also helps in the manufacture and melting of glass and plaster board .
