Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to chemical additives for geopolymer cements that can improve the rheological properties of geopolymer cements. These chemical additives include sulfates and selenates of a specific formula as well as hydroxycarboxylic acid salts of Li, Na, and K including but not limited to glycolic, lactic, citric, mandelic tartaric, and malic acids. The chemical additives for geopolymer cements disclosed herein can facilitate the uniform mixing, increase the time mixtures can be transported, and improve the ability to place and finish concrete and mortars made with the geopolymer cements.