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Gypsum plaster (plaster of Paris) Gypsum plaster, also known as plaster of Paris, is a white powder consisting of calcium sulfate hemihydrate. The natural form of the compound is the mineral bassanite. Etymology. The name "plaster of Paris" was given because it was originally made by heating gypsum from a large deposit at Montmartre, a hill in ...
Mar 14, 2024 · Plaster of paris, quick-setting gypsum plaster consisting of a fine white powder, which hardens when moistened and allowed to dry. Given that it does not generally shrink or crack when dry, it is an excellent medium for casting molds. Learn more about how plaster of paris is prepared, its uses, and history.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
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Upon adding water, after a few dozen minutes, plaster of Paris becomes regular gypsum (dihydrate) again, causing the material to harden or "set" in ways that are useful for casting and construction. Gypsum was known in Old English as spærstān, "spear stone", referring to its crystalline projections.
- Massive, flat. Elongated and generally prismatic crystals
- Prismatic (2/m), H-M symbol: (2/m)
- 1.5–2 (defining mineral for 2)
- Monoclinic
Plaster of Paris is a white powdery chemical compound that is hydrated calcium sulphate. It is used for sculpting materials, making gauze bandages, and setting fractured bones. Learn how to make plaster of Paris, its properties, and its different types such as gypsum, clay, lime, cement, and heat resistant plaster.
- 7 min
- What is the chemical composition of gypsum?Gypsum is made of hydrated calcium sulfate. Its chemical formula is CaSO 4 .2H 2 O.
- How is gypsum different from the plaster of Paris?Gypsum is different from the plaster of Paris in terms of its water of crystallisation. Gypsum has two moles of water of crystallisation, whereas p...
- How is the plaster of Paris formed?The plaster of Paris, abbreviated as POP, is formed by heating gypsum at 373 K. Gypsum loses its water molecules and forms calcium sulfate hemihydr...
- What is the composition of lime plaster?Lime plaster is made of sand and calcium hydroxide.
- What is the use of POP?POP has many uses. One of the main uses is that it is used to make casts for statues and moulds. It is also used in ornamental casting.
Apr 17, 2017 · Plaster of Paris is unique and still remains the favoured casting material in many countries. It is cheap, non-toxic, and can easily be moulded to the desired shapes and contours of the body. Skin irritation and allergy is extremely rare. Application of plaster of Paris requires good knowledge of anatomy and pathology that we are aiming to treat.
Applications. Construction: Plaster of Paris is a preferred material for creating decorative elements in architecture. It is also used for creating smooth surfaces on walls or ceilings, owing to its ability to harden upon contact with water. Medical: Owing to its property of hardening with minimal expansion, Plaster of Paris is used in ...
