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Ancient Use of Gypsum
Gypsum was among the first building materials used by humans. Its first known use dates back approximately 5,000 years ago to Anatolia where ancients used it as plaster. Egyptians used gypsum in building the pyramids, using it both as wall plaster and as a mortar binding agent. It was later used for sculpting by Romans and Greeks. By the 17th century, gypsum was being used as stucco in Europe where it was used to mold architectural friezes and columns. Selenite crystal was also used in windows before the use of glass.
Artistic Use
Artists of today still make sculptures from plaster of Paris, which was first developed in the late 1800s. Plaster of Paris has a longer drying time than earlier forms of plaster, making it easier to use for shaping purposes. Fine selenite crystals are aesthetically pleasing and are often used for cabinet display. Because gypsum is soft, it is an excellent carving stone for inexperienced carvers to use while learning the craft. Knives can be used to carve both massive pieces and crystals; however, simple hand tools allow the carver more versatility. Crystals, while beautiful, are not used for jewelry as they are too soft to be durable enough for jewelry purposes.
Building Industry
Gypsum is crushed and heated to produce the powdered form of the mineral used in the building industry. Sheetrock, which is used for lining walls in buildings, is made from gypsum. Gypsum is also an additive in Portland concrete, used as a setting retardant to allow premixture of cement for use at a later time. Roads, bridges, sidewalks and home foundations all contain gypsum. Your textured ceiling is very likely made from stucco, another gypsum product. Gypsum is also used in mortar for tile in bathrooms and kitchens. Even the paint that covers your walls most likely contains gypsum.
Other Uses
Gypsum is widely used in agriculture to inhibit hard-packing and promote water absorption and proper aeration of soil. Gypsum (CaSO4) is also a beneficial nutrient and prevents the loss of nitrogen fertilizers in crop fields. While you may not want to inhale gypsum dust, you often drink it in your beer, where it promotes yeast fermentation and enzyme action. Gypsum is used in the medical industry to make casts for broken bones, and molds for dentistry. Many mass manufactured items such as dishes were shaped in gypsum molds. Your plate glass windows were also probably polished with gypsum bedding material. It is truly the most widely used mineral in the modern world.