Barite, also known as barium sulfate, is a mineral that is commonly used as a weighting agent in drilling fluids in the oil and gas industry. It is also used in medical imaging, as well as in the manufacture of paint and plastics. At CK-Mining, we operate in mines around the world, where we offer high-quality barite specimens of for industrial uses.

Description

Barite is a dense mineral, with a specific gravity of around 4.5. It is also relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of around 3-3.5. Barite is typically colorless or white, but can also be found in shades of yellow, brown, gray, or even blue. It has a glassy luster and is often transparent or translucent.

Barite is found in many locations around the world, with notable deposits in China, India, the United States, and Mexico. It is usually found in veins or beds, and can be mined using underground or open-pit mining methods. It can also be found in association with other minerals such as sulfides, carbonates, and fluorite.

Uses

• In the oil and gas industry, it is used as a weighting agent in drilling fluids to counteract the pressure of the fluid and keep the drill stable.
• In medical imaging, it is used as a barium contrast agent to help enhance the visibility of certain parts of the body during X-rays, CT scans, and other imaging procedures.
• In the manufacture of paint, it is used as a filler and extender to reduce the cost of paint and as a source of barium.
• In the chemical industry, it is used to produce barium chemicals such as barium carbonate and barium chloride.

Properties

• Barite is non-toxic and non-flammable, it is also not radioactive, it is not considered to be a hazardous material and is generally safe to handle.

Specification Table