what is gypsum
Chemically known as âcalcium sulfate dihydrate,â gypsum contains calcium, sulfur bound to oxygen, and water. Gypsum is an abundant mineral and takes forms including alabasterâa material used in decoration and construction as far back as ancient Egypt.hemically known as âcalcium sulfate dihydrate,â gypsum contains calcium, sulfur bound to oxygen, and water. Gypsum is an abundant mineral and takes forms including alabasterâa material used in decoration and construction as far back as ancient Egypt.