Baryte
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/14730981@N08">James Petts</a> from London, England (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Mineral NameBaryte
Chemical FormulaBaSO₄
Mohs Hardness3
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect in one direction ({001}), good in two others ({210} and {110})
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity4.5
Colorsreddish-brown, orange, white, gray, yellow
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityWorldwide, common in many ore districts
Mineral GroupSulfates
Usesdrilling mud, medical applications, pigment, filler
Associated Mineralsgalena, sphalerite, fluorite, quartz, calcite
Raritycommon
Description
The image displays a reddish-brown to orange, blocky specimen of baryte, showing a somewhat platy or fibrous texture. A blue circular sticker with the number '9' is visible on its surface.
Geological Context
Baryte commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, often associated with lead-zinc ore deposits, and can also occur in sedimentary beds and residual deposits. Its formation is typically low-temperature.
