Gypsum is often used to create small scale sculptures that are kept indoors. Gypsum can be turned into plaster, which is more commonly used to make sculptures. Gypsum transforms into plaster when heated to 300 degrees F, cooled down and ground. The cost of a plaster sculpture is significantly lower than the cost of bronze pieces, and the gypsum may be colored or patinated to obtain various copperlike or bronzelike effects.
Gypsum is not a costly material and is often used to make large-scale sculptures, replicas of well-known statues or statues representing saints and gods for churches. Gypsum may be used as a sole ingredient or as a compound of Portland cement. Gypsum plaster is also used. The sculptures are typically cast into molds, left to harden and finished with sandpaper. The statues may be painted or left in their original color.
Gypsum plaster sculptures are used to make prototypes for the process of mold making. The artist creates the initial sculpture using a wire frame and applies gypsum plaster on the frame to obtain the desired shape. The sculpture is left to harden and the artist prepares the piece to make the molds. Metal, plastic, plaster or rubber are the materials used to create molds. Molds are typically made in two halves.
In addition to sculpture, gypsum is used in creating surgical casts and in construction works as an ingredient for concrete and cement or plaster. Gypsum may be used as a fertilizer for plants and also reduces the alkalinity of soils. The material is a calcium source and is an FDA-approved food additive.