The Wonder Mineral: Alternative Uses for Gypsum

With a name like United States Gypsum Corporation, it’s safe to say that USG knows a thing or two about gypsum.

From innovative industrial products to high-quality building materials, USG has built a 123-year history on a foundation of gypsum. This sulfate mineral, composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO₄·2H₂O), is put through a process called “calcining,” where the gypsum mineral is crushed and heated to drive off three-fourths of its water content, creating a powdered substance commonly referred to as plaster of Paris or stucco.

While gypsum is the primary material used in all wallboard & joint compounds and remains an extremely useful fire-resistant building material, gypsum has alternative uses outside of the construction industry.

Gypsum Outside of Construction

Before its introduction as a building material, ground gypsum was often and is still used as a soil additive, commonly known as land plaster. The addition of land plaster improved the soil’s workability and its ability to receive moisture. Corn, cotton, peanuts, and wheat all benefit from the presence of gypsum where substantial amounts of sulfates and calcium are required.

As a food additive, gypsum is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for human consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use as a dietary source of calcium. It can also be added as an ingredient in flour, white bread, ice cream, and other food products for calcium enrichment. Gypsum can also be found in the pharmaceutical industry as a safe and functional filler or color additive for drugs.

With our wide range of high-quality building materials and innovative industrial products, many partners and customers are unaware that USG has been a leading provider to industries outside of construction for decades. In fact, one of the original 5 products offered by U.S. Gypsum when the company first opened its doors in 1902 was ground gypsum for use as land plaster.

White as Snow

The best calcium sulfate from the most trusted provider of gypsum products in the world.

USG Snow White® Brand food- and pharmaceutical-grade (F&P) Anhydrous Calcium Sulfate Filler is made from only select, high-purity gypsum which is then ground and air separated into a bright, white powder. The food and pharmaceutical industries use it as an economical and FDA-approved source of supplemental calcium.

Sourced from our Southard, OK facility from some of the whitest gypsum in the world, Snow White® Brand F&P is the only US-sourced “anhydrous” (waterless) product available today. Our production process ensures that we're consistently delivering a high-quality product.

Snow White® Brand F&P Anhydrous Calcium Sulfate Filler is ideal for use in applications such as baking, icing, calcium supplements, and pharmaceuticals.  Snow White Filler is a registered product with the FDA and has been certified halal and kosher.

The USG Solution

From agricultural & pharmaceutical applications to art and dental, USG industrial and specialty products have changed the way customers think about gypsum products and their uses. Find unique solutions for projects of all sizes with our range of trusted, high-quality gypsum products sourced nationwide from our plants and manufacturing facilities.

Explore USG’s industrial products here. 

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