Barite
Barite is a mineral composed of barium sulphate (BaSO4). It receives its name from the Greek word “baryte” which means “heavy.” This name is in response to barite’s high specific gravity of 4.5, which is exceptional for a non-metallic mineral. Baryte is generally white or colorless, and is the main source of barium. The baryte group consists of baryte, Celestine, anglesite, and anhydrite. The high specific gravity of barite makes it suitable for a wide range of industrial, medical, and manufacturing uses. Barite also serves as the principal ore of barium.
The term Barytes is derived from the Greek baros meaning heavy. Barite is found in the southern parts of India Barytes (or barite) is a naturally occurring mineral form of barium sulphate. It is extracted by both surface and underground mining. Its main properties are its high specific gravity 4.2 4.5, very low solubility; it is non-toxic, and also chemically and physically non-reactive, low abrasiveness and opaqueness to x-rays.
it is available in lumps and powder form.
Applications
Oil Well Drilling
Barite is used as a weighing agent in oil well-drilling fluids to counteract certain pressures that result from well drilling operations. In this process, Barite is crushed and mixed with water other materials. It is then pumped into the drill hole. The weight of this mixture counteracts the force of the oil and gas when it is released from the ground. This allows the oil and gas rig operators to prevent the explosive release of the oil and gas from the ground.
Paper-Making Industry
In the paper industry, high-refined barites powder can be used as the filling of white paperboard and coat paper, improve the whiteness and percentage of coverage.
Cosmetics
When used in cosmetic industry, the properties of barite powder such as high whiteness, gentle and harmless to skin allow it to replace titanium dioxide.
White pigments
Barite is a key player in preparing white pigment (lithopone) which is a mixture of barium sulphate and zinc sulphide. This pigment is used in making white paint that is used to give a chic appearance to wooden artifacts.
Section Paints, Enamel and coatings
In dope and painting, it can be used as a filler and can take the place of some expensive material such as basofor, crypton, titanium dioxide, activity, monox etc. Control the viscosity of the paint compatibly to make the products with bright color, good stability.
Adhesives Sealants
Barite is dense, inert, sound radiation-absorbing fillers for special sealants and adhesives. It is included where a higher weight is wanted in the adhesive.
Rubber
In rubber industry, the products less than 600 mesh is used as the filling of rubber products to save cost. It improves the intensity, acid, alkali and water proof. The grinded barite powder is important additive to improve its hardness, wear resistance and anti-aging properties. It makes better the reinforcing action of caoutchouc and synthetic rubber too.
Plastic Industry
In plastic industry, it is used as the filling of plastic ABS (Acrylonitrile – Butadiene – Styrene) to make the products with bright color. It boosts the intensity, stiffness and abrasive resistance of the plastic.
Pharmaceutical Industry
In medicine, it can be used as barium meal material for the intestines and stomach reflection, and also the filling for plaster.