The effect of calcium lignosulfonate (CLS) on the early hydration characteristics for clinker minerals was investigated. In the presence of CLS and unsufficient gypsum The hydration of $C_3$A lowered CLS adsorption to form ettrin-gite and the residual CLS in the liquid phase accelerated the solubility of C4AF hydration. As the result unreacted $Fe^{3+}$ in the liquid phase would be precipitated gelatinously on $C_3$ hydrates and the hydration of $C_3$ could be retarded. But by addition of optimum gypsum into the cement with CLS the presence of $Fe^{3+}$ in the liquid phase were lowered and $C_3$ hydration would be normallized.