Factsheet on: What is Gypsum?
When Gypsum ( CaSO 4,2H 2O) is ground to a powder and heated at 150#176; to 165#176; C, threequarters of its combined water is removed producing hemihydrate plaster ( CaSO 4,1/2H 2O), commonly known as the Plaster of Paris. When this powder is mixed with water the resulting paste sets hard as the water recombines to produce Gypsum again.