Abstract: There is provided a granular absorbent based on calcium sulfate that may be used for absorbing oil and water-based liquids. The absorbent includes calcium sulfate obtained from gypsum, waste gypsum from wallboard, waste gypsum separated from wallboard, synthetic gypsum and mixtures thereof. The granular absorbent is ground and screened to a particle size between 4 mesh and about 100 mesh. In another aspect of the invention, an effective amount of a binder such as a clay, lignin or starch is added to the calcium sulfate to assist the calcium sulfate to pelletize and form granules. The granules are sized and dried. The granular absorbents are effective in absorbing oil or water and are easily disposed of. There is also disclosed processes for making the granular absorbents.