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Barite
Main Deposits
China, India, Morocco, the United States, Mexico, Spain, and Peru.
Description and Characteristics
Barite is a barium sulphate found predominantly in medium- and low-temperature hydrothermal veins, as well as in sedimentary rocks such as limestone, where it forms through replacement. It belongs to the orthorhombic crystal system and is distinguished by its unusual weight (high density for a non-metallic mineral); it is famous for its ‘desert rose’ formations when it crystallises in sandy environments, trapping grains of sand within its layers.
| Chemical Formula | $$BaSO₄$$ |
|---|---|
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Fracture | Irregular |
| Cleavage | Perfect |
| Hardness | 3-3,5 Mohs |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
Did you know...?
Due to its density, it is used in drilling muds. It is used in the production of hydrogen peroxide, in the manufacture of white pigments and, as a mineral filler, in paints and in the rubber industry. It is used particularly in the production of lithopone, a combination of sulphides and sulphates used for coatings. It is also used in the brake and glass industries and as a coating in X-ray rooms.
Etymology:
The name ‘barite’ derives from the Greek ‘baros’, meaning ‘heavy’, a name which also gives rise to ‘barium’.
Etymology:
The name ‘barite’ derives from the Greek ‘baros’, meaning ‘heavy’, a name which also gives rise to ‘barium’.
New-Age Properties
Barite facilitates the communication of intuitive vision. It is a traditional stone for travel, as it stimulates dreams and their recall.
Spiritually, it is a useful stone for cleansing and rebalancing the entire chakra system, and psychologically, barite helps to enhance autonomy. It helps overcome shyness and focus the mind, as well as improve interpersonal communication, indicating where your boundaries lie.
Mentally, it is good for memory and for enhancing the ability to organize and express feelings. Emotionally, it is beneficial for platonic friendships and fosters intimacy and understanding in all types of relationships.
Spiritually, it is a useful stone for cleansing and rebalancing the entire chakra system, and psychologically, barite helps to enhance autonomy. It helps overcome shyness and focus the mind, as well as improve interpersonal communication, indicating where your boundaries lie.
Mentally, it is good for memory and for enhancing the ability to organize and express feelings. Emotionally, it is beneficial for platonic friendships and fosters intimacy and understanding in all types of relationships.