Barite

Barite is also known as barium sulfate. The barium sulfate barite takes its name from the Greek word barys, which means “heavy” a reference to its high specific gravity. It has also been called heavy spar. Barite crystals are sometimes tinged yellow, blue, or brown. Golden barite comes from South Dakota.

Crystals are well formed, usually either prismatic or tabular. Cockscomb (crested aggregates) and desert roses (rosette aggregates) of crystals are common. Transparent, blue barite crystals may resemble aquamarine but are distinguished by their softness, heaviness, and crystal shape. Barite can also be stalactitic, stalagmitic, fibrous, concretionary, or massive. Barite is a common accessory mineral in lead and zinc veins.

It is also found in sedimentary rocks, clay deposits, marine deposits, and cavities in igneous rocks. The distribution of barite deposits is closely tied to geological formations, and different deposits may have varying qualities and characteristics. Barite mining typically involves the extraction of the mineral through drilling and excavation, and the extracted ore is then processed to meet the specific needs of various industries, as outlined in previous responses. It’s important to note that the availability and accessibility of barite deposits can change over time due to factors such as market demand, economic conditions, and environmental regulations. As a result, the prominence of certain mining regions may evolve over the years.

Historically, barite was used for the production of barium hydroxide for sugar refining, and as a white pigment for textiles, paper, and paint. Although baryte contains the toxic alkaline earth metal barium, it is not detrimental for human health, animals, plants and the environment because barium sulfate is extremely insoluble in water. Worldwide today, 69–77% of baryte is used as a weighting agent for drilling fluids in oil and gas exploration to suppress high formation pressures and prevent blowouts. As a well is drilled, the bit passes through various formations, each with different characteristics. The deeper the hole, the more baryte is needed as a percentage of the total mud mix.

The material you see here today are all from the Congo.