Abstract: An article is cast from a composition comprising a binding agent containing, by weight, from 90% to 10% calcined gypsum and from 10% to 90% Portland cement mixed with water to produce a fluid mixture which is caused to flow into a mould or other supporting device and is there allowed to set. To increase the durability of the cast article in the presence of moisture, sodium carbonate in an amount up to 5% by weight of the dry weight of the cement is added to the composition. The sodium carbonate is preferably present in an amount between 0.1% and 0.5% of the dry weight of the cement and the composition preferably also contains an acrylic resin emulsion in an amount from 0.25% to 4% of the dry weight of the gypsum and cement in the composition and a pigment such as iron oxide, titanium oxide or cobalt oxide in an amount from 0.25% to 4% by weight of the dry weight of the gypsum and cement in the composition.