The average price of crude gypsum in the United States stood at 12 U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2023. The United States, Iran, and China are some of the largest producers of gypsum worldwide.
What is Gypsum?
Gypsum is a sulphate mineral made of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O). Gypsum is a common mineral and has historically been used in decoration and construction. About half of the gypsum used in the United States is produced through flue-gas desulfurization and is commonly used in gypsum board. However, some types of this gypsum cannot be used due to potential environmental hazards. Consequently, synthetic gypsum is often used instead to reduce environmental population, which would otherwise be left in landfills.
Common uses of gypsum
The majority of gypsum is used for construction paneling or building plasters. Additionally, gypsum is used as a soil additive which can be beneficial for certain crops. It acts as an additive in muddy waters to settle dirt and clay particles. Gypsum has also been approved for human consumption as a source of calcium and in the manufacturing of other food products. It can also be used as a color additive in drugs and cosmetics and as a primary ingredient in toothpaste.
