barite, (BaSO4) is a mineral consisting of barium sulfate. Baryte itself is generally white or colorless, and is the main source of barium. Baryte and celestine form a solid solution (Ba, Sr) SO4.
Uses of barite
1- Well drilling fluids Drilling fluids are designed to cool the drill bit, lubricate the drill stem, seal the walls of the well hole, remove cuttings, and confine high oil and gas pressures by the hydrostatic head of the fluid column.
2- Glass In glassmaking barite saves fuel by reducing the heat-insulating froth on the melt surface. It also acts as an oxidizer and decolorizer,
3- Coatings Paints and primers represent the largest use for filler-grade barite.
4- Polymers Finely ground barite is used in rubber, where its weight, inertness, isometric particle shape, and low binder demand are advantageous. It has little effect on cure, hardness, stiffness, or aging.
5-Micronized white barite and blanc fixe are used as fillers and extenders, primarily to add weight, in bristolboard, playing cards, and heavy printing papers. Blanc fixe is used in the base coat of photographic papers to supply an inert substrate for the silver halide emulsion coat. Finely ground (-325 mesh) barite is used as an inert filler in brake linings and clutc