Abstract: A mixture suitable for use in forming a magnesium silico-phosphate cement is disclosed. The mixture comprises particles of MgO at least partially coated with an additive adapted to alter the setting time of said cement cast; a phosphate salt or acid chosen that will provide a binder product characterized by the empirical chemical formula MMgPO4.6H2O; and an aggregate phase chosen from the group containing (a) CaSiO3, (b) MgSiO3, (c) SiO2, (d) fly ash, (e) sea sand, and (f) any combination thereof. Coating the MgO particles provides better control of the alteration of the setting time and better physical properties of the set cement. Methods for making the mixture and for preparing a cement cast based on the mixture are also disclosed.