Alabaster and gypsum: differences that few people know about

Alabaster or gypsum is often used in construction and renovation. What is the difference between these materials? It would seem that there is not much difference, alabaster is a fine-grained variety of gypsum. But there are some significant differences that we will talk about right now.

Both materials are fire resistant. Withstand high temperatures and do not degrade. Open fire begins to destroy materials after 6 hours of exposure.

1. Alabaster. Crushed gypsum crystals. This is one of the varieties of gypsum. It freezes very quickly. The material is used to seal cracks, used as an additive - added to mortars, for the manufacture of plates, panels, during the installation of plaster beacons and slopes.

2. Gypsum. The powder obtained by firing gypsum stone. So that the gypsum does not harden quickly, a lime solution is added to the solution. Building mixtures and materials are prepared from this material: plaster, putty, drywall, partition plates, etc. Mainly used for sealing joints, irregularities and cracks. Craftsmen make gypsum stone:

Read more about innovative material - flexible stone.

Differences

Alabaster is stronger than cement. Gypsum is somewhat softer and can be cracked. However, it all depends on how to dilute (how much water to add).

Most often, gypsum can be distinguished by its color - it is white, and alabaster is gray. But not always, it all depends on the party. It even happens the other way around.

Gypsum hardens longer (in about 20 minutes), unlike alabaster (5 minutes). Therefore, you can easily fix flaws in your work. But additives can be added to alabaster that will slow down the reaction. When solidifying, gypsum may increase in volume, but alabaster does not.

Gypsum is also used in medicine and art. Alabaster is of limited use.

Plaster is softer to the touch than its competitor. It may crumble during operation. The surface can be scratched with a fingernail. Alabaster is much stronger.

A more environmentally friendly and safer material is gypsum. Its counterpart is less environmentally friendly, so it is used only in construction.

After hardening, gypsum retains moisture and, as a result, this can lead to the formation of fungus and mold. As for the second material, during its manufacture it lost most of its moisture. Therefore, when solidifying, mold cannot appear.

Channel RepairDom: we wish you a successful day and a good weekend!