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orthorhombiccommonSulfates
Barite
BaSO4
This specimen features light whitish, often tabular or bladed crystals of barite, contrasting with a matrix of fine-grained quartz coated with iron oxide. The overall sample measures 10.5 cm across.
Barite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
2.5Crystal System
orthorhombicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
Perfect on {001}, good on {210} and {010}Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
4.5Colors
white, colorless, light blue, yellow, red, brown, greyTransparency
transparentType Locality
Missouri, USAMineral Group
SulfatesUses
drilling mud, medical imaging, pigments, fillerAssociated Minerals
quartz, iron oxidesRarity
commonGeological Context
Barite commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, sedimentary deposits (especially marine), and as concretions in sandstones and shales. It is often associated with lead-zinc ore deposits.
