mineral
Barite
Barium sulfate (BaSO4)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 3-3.5; Color: White to colorless; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Specific Gravity: 4.5 (conspicuously heavy)
- Hardness
- 3-3
- Color
- White to colorless
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3-3.5; Color: White to colorless; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Specific Gravity: 4.5 (conspicuously heavy)
Formation & geological history
Usually forms in hydrothermal veins, as well as in sedimentary rocks through precipitation from barium-rich fluids. Found in Mississippian-age rock layers in the Missouri region.
Uses & applications
Primary source of barium; used as a weighing agent in drilling mud, in white pigments, paper fillers, and as a radiopaque agent in medical 'barium meals'.
Geological facts
This specimen is highly consistent with the 'Missouri Barite' found in the Washington County Barite District. Local miners often refer to it as 'tiff'. It is known for its surprising weight relative to its size.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its unusually high density for a non-metallic mineral and its relative softness compared to quartz. Common in the Ozark region near St. Charles and Washington counties.
