What is "calcium sulfate"

alt. (context inorganic compound English) The calcium salt of sulfuric acid, CaSO₄, the hydrate of which are known as gypsum or plaster of Paris. n. (context inorganic compound English) The calcium salt of sulfuric acid, CaSO₄, the hydrate of which are known as gypsum or plaster of Paris.

n. a white salt (CaSO4) [syn: calcium sulphate]

Calcium sulfate (or calcium sulphate) is the inorganic compound with the formula CaSO and related hydrates. In the form of γ- anhydrite (the anhydrous form), it is used as a desiccant. One particular hydrate is better known as plaster of Paris, and another occurs naturally as the mineral gypsum. It has many uses in industry. All forms are white solids that are poorly soluble in water. Calcium sulfate causes permanent hardness in water.

This page provides supplementary chemical data on calcium sulfate.