Plaster of Paris is a type of mineral used for a variety of purposes. It is made from GYPSUM, which is a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate. GYPSUM is found in many parts of the world and is mined in large quantities. Plaster of Paris is created by heating GYPSUM to about 300 degrees Fahrenheit, which causes it to lose some of its water content and become a powder. This powder can then be mixed with water to create a paste that can be used for a variety of applications, such as creating casts for broken bones or creating decorative wall finishes.