Calcium sulfate dihydrate, represented by the chemical formula CaSO4·2H2O, is a white crystalline solid commonly known as gypsum. It consists of calcium, sulfur, and oxygen, along with two water molecules. Gypsum is widely used in construction, particularly in the production of drywall and plaster, due to its fire-resistant properties and ease of application. In nature, CaSO4·2H2O is found in sedimentary rock formations and can form through the evaporation of water in saline environments. It is also used in agriculture as a soil conditioner and in various industrial processes, including the manufacture of cement and as a filler in products like paints and plastics.