Gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) is very similar to Anhydrite (CaSO4). The chemical difference is that gypsum contains two waters and anhydrite is without water. Gypsum is the most common sulfate mineral. Gypsum wallboard and plaster: Wallboard and construction plaster are the primary industrial uses of gypsum in the United States.
Hoshi (æ) is a Japanese word which means star. It is also a surname. Hoshi (ä¿å¿) is a Japanese surname with a similar pronunciation. HÅshi (æ³å¸«) is unrelated to the preceding words, and pronounced differently. It is a technical term in Buddhism (see below).
Japanese Days of the Week: the 'Seven Luminaries'. The Japanese days of the week seem quite different from anything in Western languages: The initial impression is one of primitivity and mystery. The first Chinese character in the name of each day is a simple concept linked with an elemental force of nature such as fire, wood, water, etc. The final character æ¥ hi, here pronounced bi, means 'sun' or 'day'.