Plaster of Paris has been used for many years as a treatment for broken bones. Gauze bandages are soaked in plaster and wrapped around the injured limb. Plaster is also used in dentistry to make models of teeth from molds of dental stone.

Gypsum is considered safe for human consumption, and is regularly used as a food additive. It is used as a natural source of calcium, as well as in brewing beers and wines and for canning vegetables. Gypsum is also used as a binding agent in tofu, white bread, blue cheese and ice cream, as well as being the primary ingredient in most toothpaste formulas