Gypsum (mineral and by-product)

What it is

Calcium sulphate mineral added to cement (about 4 to 5% of cement), burned to make plaster of Paris and boards, and used as soil amendment.

Mineral gypsum (cement, agriculture)Phosphogypsum (fertiliser by-product)Marine gypsum (salt works)Selenite (crystalline)

Where India produces it

1. RajasthanBikanerBarmerNagaur

   Main producing state (4,664,000 t reported); RSMML is the leading producer.

Where imports come from

High: 7,397,750 t of gypsum and plaster was imported in 2023-24.

Rules before you buy or sell

• Gypsum is a minor mineral (S.O. 423(E), 2015); selenite remains a major mineral.
• BIS standards: IS 6046 gypsum for agricultural use, IS 10170 by-product gypsum, IS 2547 gypsum building plaster, IS 2095 plaster boards.
• Check the current import and export policy for your exact 8-digit HS code in the DGFT ITC(HS) schedules.

Storage and handling

Keep under a roof; damp gypsum sets lumps and loses value for plaster.

Businesses that use it

Plaster of Paris Manufacturing →Gypsum Plaster Board Unit →Moulded Chalk Crayons →Chalk Making (Extruded Chalk) →Tailors' Chalk Making Unit →