Barite

Barite, a mineral mostly composed of barium sulfate (BaSO4), receives its name from the Greek time period ‘barys’, signifying “heavy”. This is a reflection of Barite’s high specific gravity of 4.5, which is terrific for a non-metal mineral.

 

The look of Barite is usually white/grey, but it may range from yellow, brown, crimson, to even black because of the presence of impurities. With a Mohs hardness of three.Zero to three.Five, Barite is considered a particularly soft mineral. Its chemical inertness and insolubility, coupled with its high density, make it appropriate for a wide range of packages. The common chemical composition of Barite is: BaO 65.7%; SO3 34.Three%.

Barite Applications

The main use of barite is due to its high gravity (SG 4.5), as well as chemical and physical stability, relatively brittle and relatively low solubility.

 

Oil and Gas Industry

 

Approximately 80% of Barite is employed in the oil and gas sector as a weighting agent in drilling fluids due to its high density. The drilling fluid serves three main purposes: it pressurizes the oil well, cools the drill bit, and suspends the cuttings generated by the drill, which are subsequently brought to the surface. The American Petroleum Institute sets the most frequently used grades of Barite in the oil and gas industry, which are 4.2g/cm3 and 4.1g/cm3.

Medical

 

A gradient of barite is used in the gastrointestinal tract, where its high density prevents X-ray penetration, thus making it visible with X-rays This allows the gastrointestinal tract to be seen, making it easier to see normal and abnormal body composition.

 

Construction

Barite is employed as an aggregate in the production of high-density cement. Additionally, it is combined with cement to fabricate unique containers designed for the storage of radioactive substances.

 

Paints and Plastics

 

Barite is used as a pigment in paints, where it helps manage the viscosity and enhances brightness. Additionally, it is applied as a weighted filler inside the production of paper, cloth, and rubber.

 

Automotive Industry

A more recent application of barite is in the production of brake pads and clutches for cars.

Glass Industry

Barite is used in the manufacture of glass to reduce bubbles and increase brightness and clarity. It is also used in advanced ceramics in electronics.

 

Papermaking Industries

Barite is used in the papermaking industry for pure white and to improve the whiteness and coverage of the goods

 

Cosmetic Industry

Barite is popular in the cosmetic industry for its gentle effect on the skin and is a good alternative to titanium dioxide