Barite, also spelled baryte, is a mineral consisting of barium sulfate (BaSO4). It's generally white or colorless, and is the main source of the element barium.
This mineral has a very high specific gravity, which is in the range of 4.1 to 4.5. That's unusually high for a nonmetallic mineral.
Barite is found in hydrothermal ore veins, sedimentary rocks like limestone, clay deposits, marine environments, and cavities in igneous rock. It commonly forms as large tabular crystals, clusters of crystals, or divergent plates.
Barytes is a naturally occurring sulfate of barium. with chemical formula, BaSO4 (BaO 65.7% and SO3 34.3%).By virtue of its high specific gravity, it is known as one of the heaviest Mineral on Earth.
The Physiochemical test reflects its high bulk density of 1.5 gm/cc, insolubility in water, resistance to acids and alkalies, low abrasiveness and high refractive index of 1.63, The mineral has perfect cleavage, brittle with an uneven fracture. The hardness varies from 3 to 3.5 on Mohâ??s scale. The specific gravity of pure barytes is 4.5 and this can vary downward, depending on the impurities present. The mineral has white streak with the lustre inclining to resinous. The Mineral is available in grades of Off White, A1, Snow White, Super Snow White & Extra Super Snow White
Baryte is generally white or colorless, and is the main source of barium. Barite is found in the southern parts of India. It is extracted by both surface and underground mining.
It is non-toxic and physically and chemically non-reactive. It is available in hydrous form as well as lumps.
Applications
Paints
Rubber
Drilling
Cosmetics
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