Cement slurries are provided for use in cementing oil and gas wells. The cement slurry comprises API Class C or Class H Portland cement and a pozzolan selected from the group consisting of pumice and mixtures of pumice and fly ash. Pumice is present in the mixtures in amounts at least about 40 wt % of the pozzolan. The weight ratio of the pozzolan to the cement is from about 35:65 to about 70:30. The novel cement slurries preferably will not comprise any additional lime, including hydrated lime, or other activators.

Cement slurries are provided for use in cementing oil and gas wells. The cement slurry comprises API Class C or Class H Portland cement and a pozzolan selected from the group consisting of pumice and mixtures of pumice and fly ash. Pumice is present in the mixtures in amounts at least about 40 wt % of the pozzolan. The weight ratio of the pozzolan to the cement is from about 35:65 to about 70:30. The novel cement slurries preferably will not comprise any additional lime, including hydrated lime, or other activators.

DTPA-coated synthetic calcined gypsum is provided with alpha-like properties and obtained by spray-coating the synthetic caclined gypsum with DTPA. Cementitious compositions comprising DTPA-coated synthetic calcined gypsum and low water demand are provided as well. Methods for controlling an open time of a cementitious slurry by increasing or decreasing the amount of DTPA-coated synthetic calcined gypsum in the slurry are provided as well.