Gypsum Addition an overview ScienceDirect TopicsA larger fraction of SO 3 is added to cement in the form of calcium sulfate either as gypsum CaSO 4 2H 2 O or anhydrite CaSO 4 During cement grinding a fraction of the gypsum may be decomposed to hemihydrate CaSO 4 ½H 2 O The main role of calcium sulfate is to control cement setting although strength may also be affected