barite

[ bair-ahyt, bar- ]

noun

1. a common mineral, barium sulfate, BaSO 4 , occurring in white, yellow, or colorless tabular crystals: the principal ore of barium.

barite

/ ˈbɛəraɪt /

noun

1. a colourless or white mineral consisting of barium sulphate in orthorhombic crystalline form, occurring in sedimentary rocks and with sulphide ores: a source of barium. Formula: BaSO 4 Also calledbarytesheavy spar

barite

/ bâr′īt /

1. A usually white, clear, or yellow orthorhombic mineral. Barite occurs as flattened blades or in a circular pattern of crystals that looks like a flower and, when colored red by iron stains, is called a desert rose. It is found in limestone, in clay-rich rocks, and in sandstones. Barite is used as a source of barium. Chemical formula: BaSO 4 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of barite¹

First recorded in 1780–90; bar(ytes) + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of barite¹

C18: from bar ( ium ) + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Because the barite gave the ichthyosaur’s bones a bright glow, the team was able to observe anatomical features that had been overlooked or obscured.

From New York Times

What they do display are strange increases in barium—likely from barite, a mineral used in offshore oil drilling.

From Science Magazine

The so-called Palmer Project, if developed, is expected to produce a copper concentrate, a zinc concentrate, some gold and silver, and barite, she said.

From Washington Times

Water engineers will “kill” the well by pumping bentonite clay mud, the mineral barite and water into it to neutralize the artesian flow of water pushed to the surface by gravity-induced pressure.

From Washington Times

However, barite and antimony are not included in the new tariffs.

From Reuters