Novel hydraulic cements are disclosed that include reactive magnesium oxide prepared by low temperature calcination. The cements can be formulated to suit a large number of applications with various setting times, strength and levels of sustainability either by adding iron salts such as ferrous sulfate or blending with other compatible faster setting hydraulic cements such as Portland cement or by using both methods.The compositions are able to incorporate relatively large amounts of low cost pozzolans such as fly ash to advantage as well as wastes. Many excellent properties are exhibited and in particular good comprehensive strength and resistance to sulfates is able to be achieved.