Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrated. It is commonly found in nature and can be extracted and processed for use in construction. The manufacturing process of plaster of Paris (calcium sulfate hemihydrate) involves mining gypsum rock, crushing it, drying and powdering it, then calcining it at high temperatures to remove water molecules. This is then cooled, pulverized, and packaged for use. Plaster of Paris has various advantages for construction and decoration including being lightweight, fire resistant, and easy to work with.