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orthorhombiccommonSulfates
Barite
BaSO4
This specimen features a glassy, translucent white barite crystal, approximately 5 cm tall, partially coated with red-brown limonite. It is prominently displayed on a dark galena matrix.
Barite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
3Crystal System
orthorhombicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
perfect on {001}, good on {210} and {110}Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
4.5Colors
white, colorless, yellow, blue, brown, red, grayTransparency
transparentType Locality
Missouri, USAMineral Group
SulfatesUses
drilling mud, medical imaging, pigments, fillerAssociated Minerals
galena, limoniteRarity
commonGeological Context
Barite commonly forms in low-temperature hydrothermal veins, often as a gangue mineral in lead-zinc ore deposits, and can also occur in sedimentary rocks as concretions or bedded deposits.
