Calcium Sulfate is a natural occurring mineral that is used extensively in the pharmaceutical, brewing, baking, agriculture and cosmetic industries.
Calcium sulfate is used in the food industry to help fruits and vegetables retain firmness by binding with pectin and increasing the water-holding capacity. The calcium bonds to the negatively charged carboxylic groups in pectin.
Calcium Sulfate can be effectively used with Sodium Alginate to form gels by following these steps:
-Add 0.3% Calcium Sulfate to water and dissolve into solution.
-Add 0.1 - 2% Sodium Alginate to solution with stirring. (no high shear mixing)
-Allow Sodium Alginate to completely hydrate - may take 30 minutes to 1 hour. Mixture can be stirred periodically.
-Once gel has formed, proceed with formula.
Calcium Sulfate can also be used "as is" for a therapeutic, soaking mineral bath or as part of a bath salt blend.
Physical Form: White or yellowish crystals