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).
In Japanese cuisine, they are called harusame (æ¥é¨), literally spring rain. Unlike Chinese glass noodles, they are usually made from potato starch. They are commonly used to make salads, or as an ingredient in hot pot dishes. They are also often used to make Japanese adaptations of Chinese and Korean dishes.