We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Gypsum has been a staple construction material for centuries, with as much as 7 tons featured throughout modern American homes in the form of plaster and drywall, according to the University of Minnesota. Also called wallboard or sheetrock, drywall is notable for being fire resistant and soundproof, but most homeowners (or renters) who work with the stuff will also know it to be a very messy material.