Which of the following is a characteristic of dental stone that enhances its properties?

The addition of potassium sulfate to dental stone is a characteristic that enhances its properties, particularly its hardness. Potassium sulfate acts as an accelerator in the setting process, allowing the dental stone to achieve greater strength and durability once it has fully set. This increased hardness is critical in applications such as creating dental casts and models, where precision and structural integrity are essential.

The role of potassium sulfate is not just to modify the physical hardness but to optimize the setting times and improve the overall performance of the dental stone, making it more suitable for detailed work in dentistry. This property is vital when a firm and resilient material is needed to handle the demands of dental procedures.