mineral

Barite

Barium Sulfate (BaSO4)

Hardness: 3-3.5 on Mohs scale. Color: White, colorless, or light pink as seen. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Orthorhombic. Cleavage: Perfect in three directions. Specific gravity: 4.3–5.0 (unusually heavy for a non-metallic mineral).

Hardness: 3-3
Color: White, colorless, or light pink as seen
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified July 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and sedimentary deposits. It occurs as a gangue mineral in metallic ore veins and in limestone/dolostone weathering residuals. Common throughout various geological periods.

Uses & applications

Primary source of barium. Used as a weighting agent in drilling muds for oil and gas wells, in paints, plastics, healthcare (as a barium meal for X-rays), and soundproofing materials.

Geological facts

Barite is notable for its high density, which earned it the nickname 'heavy spar'. Its name comes from the Greek word 'barys', meaning heavy. Some varieties form 'desert roses'.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its surprising weight (high specific gravity) and its relatively low hardness (can be scratched by a copper coin). Found globally, with major deposits in China, India, and the United States.