Barite

Real mineral · common · BaSO₄

Barium sulfate notable for its exceptional density relative to its hardness. Forms tabular crystals in hydrothermal veins and sedimentary sequences. Used as a weighting agent in oil well drilling muds due to its high density.

Identity

Formula

BaSO₄

Chemical class

sulfate

Mineral group

Celestine

Also known as

Baryte, Heavy spar, Desert rose (rosette habit)

Crystallography

Crystal system

orthorhombic

Habits

tabular, prismatic, massive, nodular

Fracture

uneven

Physical properties

Mohs hardness

3

Density

4.5 g/cm³

Luster

vitreous, pearly

Colors

colorless, white, yellow, blue, green, pink, red

Streak

white

Transparency

transparent, translucent

Geology

Origins

hydrothermal, sedimentary

Host rocks

limestone, dolomite, shale

Associated minerals

Calcite, Fluorite, Galena, Quartz

Geography

worldwide

Classification

Rarity

common

Gem quality

No

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