Kaltsiumsulfaat

Kaltsiumsulfaat, also known as calcium sulfate, is an inorganic salt with the chemical formula CaSO4. It is a white crystalline solid that is sparingly soluble in water. It occurs naturally in several mineral forms, most notably as gypsum (dihydrate, CaSO4·2H2O) and anhydrite (anhydrous, CaSO4).

Calcium sulfate is widely distributed in nature. Gypsum is commonly found in sedimentary rock formations and is a significant component of plaster of Paris. Anhydrite is also found in similar geological environments. The mineral alabaster is a fine-grained, massive variety of gypsum.

Industrially, calcium sulfate is produced by reacting calcium carbonate (limestone) with sulfuric acid. It has numerous applications. In construction, it is a key ingredient in plaster, drywall, and cement. In agriculture, it is used as a soil conditioner, providing calcium and sulfur to plants and improving soil structure. It is also used as a food additive (E number E516), where it functions as a firming agent, stabilizer, and nutrient supplement. In the pharmaceutical industry, it serves as a filler in tablets and capsules.

The solubility of calcium sulfate in water decreases as the temperature increases, which is an unusual characteristic for salts. This property is relevant in industrial processes and natural geological formations.