Baryte, (BaSO₄) is a mineral consisting of Barium sulphate. The baryte group consists of baryte, celestine, anglesite and anhydrite. Baryte itself is generally white or colorless, and is the main source of barium. Baryte and celestine form a solid solution (Ba, Sr) SO4.

Barite, the most common barium mineral, occurs principally as a gangue mineral in the hydrothermal, metalliferous veins, which have formed at moderate low temperature, in rare cases forming the major constituents of the veins.

Reserve: Barytes has an estimated reserve figure of 700 million tonnes.

Uses

• Drilling fluids in oil and gas
• Filler in paint and plastics,
• Sound reduction in engine compartments,
• Coat of automobile finishes for smoothness and corrosion resistance,
• Friction products for automobiles and trucks,
• Radiation-shielding
• Cement,
• Glass ceramics
• Production of barium hydroxide
• White pigment for textiles, paper, and paint