A composition is disclosed for a mixture to be used in conjunction with water for preparing a slurry that hydrates to form a high strength flooring compound. The mixture includes from about 50% to about 98% by weight calcium sulfate hemihydrate, having at least 25% of the calcium sulfate hemihydrate in the beta-calcined form. A polycarboxylate dispersant is included in the mixture in amounts from about 0.2% to about 10% by weight. The mixture also includes 0.05-50% by weight enhancing component. When combined with recommended amounts of water, a slurry is formed that is useful as a flooring composition.