mineral
Barite
Barium Sulfate (BaSO4)
Hardness of 3-3.5 on the Mohs scale, color ranges from colorless to white, yellow, brown, or blue, vitreous to pearly luster, orthorhombic crystal system, perfect cleavage in three directions, and notably high specific gravity (4.3-4.5) for a non-metallic mineral.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 3-3.5 on the Mohs scale, color ranges from colorless to white, yellow, brown, or blue, vitreous to pearly luster, orthorhombic crystal system, perfect cleavage in three directions, and notably high specific gravity (4.3-4.5) for a non-metallic mineral.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins, sedimentary environments (such as in limestone caves, hot springs, and evaporite deposits), and as a residual mineral from the weathering of limestone.
Uses & applications
Widely used in the oil and gas industry as a weighting agent in drilling muds, as well as in the manufacturing of paints, rubber, glass, and medical imaging (barium meals).
Geological facts
Barite gets its name from the Greek word 'barys', meaning 'heavy', which refers to its unusually high density. It frequently forms interesting crystal habits such as 'desert roses'.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinctive heaviness relative to its size and its perfect cleavage. Commonly found worldwide, notably in Morocco, China, Romania, and the USA.
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