barite
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Barite
Source: Mineralogical Information Institute
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Also called baryte, barytes, and heavy
spar, the chief ore of barium, consisting
of barium sulfate (BaSO4) in the form of colorless or white (when
pure), brown, yellow, or gray orthorhombic crystals with perfect cleavage
in three dimensions. It is a very dense mineral (its name comes from the
Greek baros meaning "heavy") often found in association
with lead or zinc ores. Because of its high density it is used to make muds
for lubricating and cooling oil-well drilling equipment. It is also used
in the chemical industry for paper-making, rubber manufacture, and high-quality
paints. Hardness 3–3.5, relative density 4.5.
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