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Gypsum for Jewelry Making | Applications of Gypsum in the Jewelry Industry
Today, gypsum has become a widely used material across multiple industries, thanks to its natural characteristics and lower cost compared to other materials. Not only that, but gypsum is also an essential material in jewelry production. Let’s explore gypsum and its applications in the jewelry industry in today’s article.
What is Gypsum?
Gypsum is a natural sedimentary mineral primarily composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate, with the chemical formula CaSO₄·2H₂O. Known for its softness, gypsum has a hardness of 2 on the Mohs scale and is commonly ground into powder.
Dating back to ancient times, gypsum has been used across various fields. Its Greek origin, "Gypsos," means "cooked" or "heated," as heating gypsum causes it to harden.
Applications of Gypsum in Different Fields
This unique property of gypsum is applied in modern life, particularly in the following fields:
Construction and Interior Design
Gypsum is widely used in construction for making gypsum walls and ceilings due to its soundproofing, insulation properties, and safety for humans. Gypsum walls are not only durable but also aesthetically pleasing.
It is also commonly used for decorative ceiling designs, adding both beauty and cost savings. Gypsum acts as a protective layer, especially in humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Agriculture
Rich in calcium and sulfur, gypsum is widely used in agriculture for soil improvement, as a coagulating agent in livestock feed, and for indoor plant growth. Its benefits include:
- Soil pH Adjustment: Gypsum balances soil acidity and increases calcium and sulfur content, vital for root growth. Farmers often use gypsum as a soil fertilizer.
- Erosion Control and Nutrient Retention: Gypsum retains moisture and nutrients, often used to rejuvenate soil post-harvest.
Medical Field
Gypsum is widely used in the medical field for making casts. This technique stabilizes bones, maintaining proper alignment after injury. Once bones are reset, doctors use gypsum casts to hold them in place.
Art
Gypsum has been used in art for making sculptures, statues, and paintings. Plaster statues were common in ancient Greece and Rome. Today, painting plaster figures is a relaxing activity, especially for young people.
Art students use plaster busts for portrait sketches, and gypsum décor pieces add a sophisticated, elegant touch to interiors.
Industry
Gypsum is also used across various industries, particularly in:
Cement Production:
Gypsum delays the hydration process in cement, allowing it to be mixed and poured more easily. This delay is achieved by gypsum reacting with tricalcium aluminate (C3A), creating a protective layer on cement particles and slowing setting time. Additionally, gypsum enhances cement smoothness and durability.
- Jewelry Industry:
Gypsum is extensively used in jewelry casting, particularly in the mold-making stage. Here’s a brief overview of the jewelry production process:
What Makes Gypsum Used in the Jewelry Industry Different?
The jewelry industry requires a high level of aesthetic quality, so the gypsum used must meet higher standards than in other fields. The two main requirements for gypsum used in jewelry production are:
Heat Resistance:
As explained in the jewelry-making process above, the gypsum mold, once complete, is used to pour molten metals like gold and silver, which have melting points ranging from approximately 800°C to over 1000°C. Thus, the gypsum mold must undergo firing at very high temperatures to ensure it can withstand the heat of the molten metal poured into it.
Fineness of the Gypsum:
The surface of the finished jewelry must be extremely smooth to be considered high quality, so the gypsum used in jewelry casting must be finer than that used in other industries. These two factors are basic but crucial to the quality of jewelry. Additionally, when selecting any product, factors such as origin and price must also be considered. To meet these needs, DC Company distributes a wide variety of gypsum types that cater to the specific requirements of clients in the jewelry industry
Contact DC Tech for Consultation on Jewelry Industry Products
DC Tech provides a range of quality gypsum from leading global brands.
Contact Information:
- Hotline: 0902.588.891 (Mr. Mẫn)
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