Barite

Barite nonmetallic mineral with an incredible specific gravity.

Barite is a mineral composed of barium sulphate (BaSo4) it received its name from creek word “barys” which means heavy.  This name is in response to barite high specific gravity of 4.2 which is exceptional for a nonmetallic. The high specific gravity of barite makes it suitable for a wide range of industrial, medical and manufacturing uses, barite also serves as the principal ore of barium.

Barite often occurs as concretions and vein filling crystals in sediments and sedimentary rocks. Barite is also found as concretions in sand and sandstone these concretions grow as barite crystallizes within the interstitial space between sand grains. Sometimes crystals of barite grow into interesting shapes within the sand,These structures are known as barite roses.

Barite may occurs many colors , white, light shades of blue, yellow, gray, brown

Barite minerals commonly associated with lime stone, Haematite, often associated with anglesite, and Celestite