Barite
Barite is a sulfate mineral of Barium. The mineral occurs primarily as pale white crystals - physical and chemical impurities have caused blue or orange Barite masses. Barite is the primary source of the metal Barium.
Uses
In addition to being a collectible mineral, Barite is a chief source of the alkaline metal Barium.
Notable Localities
An abundant mineral, Barite is found worldwide in many lcoalities. The most distinctive form of Barite occurs in brown rosettes dubbed "desert roses". Blades of Barite are known to occur in numerous British and Italian localities. Several Moroccan localities are known to produce Barite blades of varying forms, from pale rosettes to translucent blue crystals. In the US, crystalline Barite has occured in the Elk Creek Mine of South Dakota as well as the Palos Verdes Hills of Southern California.
| Properties | |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | BaSO4 |
| Hardness | 3-3.5 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Mineral Class | Sulfates |
| Luster | Vitreous, Pearly |