mineral

Barite

Barium Sulfate (BaSO4)

Hardness: 3-3.5 on Mohs scale. Color: White, yellow, or colorless. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic. Cleavage: Perfect in three directions. Specific Gravity: High (4.3-5.0), unusually heavy for a non-metallic mineral.

Hardness: 3-3
Color: White, yellow, or colorless
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified June 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal processes in hydrothermal veins, or as a precipitate in sedimentary rocks by the action of groundwater containing barium. It occurs in a wide range of geological environments, often as a gangue mineral in lead-zinc veins.

Uses & applications

Primary source of barium. Used in 'drilling mud' for oil and gas wells to prevent blowouts, as a pigment in paints, filler for paper and rubber, and in radiology for X-ray 'barium meals'.

Geological facts

Barite is named after the Greek word 'barys', meaning 'heavy', due to its exceptionally high density. The well-known 'Desert Rose' formations are often comprised of barite or gypsum crystals.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified in the field by its high density (it feels much heavier than it looks) and its characteristic bladed crystal habit. It does not react with acid, distinguishing it from calcite.