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. A three repeating unit polycarboxylate dispersant is included in the mixture in amounts from about 0.2% to about 10% by weight. The repeating units include a polyether repeating unit, an acrylic acid-type repeating unit and a maleic acid-type repeating unit. A modifier that enhances the efficacy of the dispersant is also a component of the mixture. When combined with recommended amounts of water, a slurry is formed that is useful as a flooring composition.