Barite

BaSO4 - Mohs Hardness: 3 - 3  1/2.  Barite is the primary ore of barium, which is used to make a wide variety of barium compounds. Uses include; weighing agent for drilling fluids in oil and gas exploration, filler in paints and plastics, sound reduction in engine compartments, brake linings, and auto paint coatings to add smoothness and corrosion resistance. Major producers include China, India, Morocco, and the US. US mining occurs in Arkansas, Connecticut, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Nevada, and Missouri.
Abstract/Description: BaSO4 - Mohs Hardness: 3 - 3 1/2. Barite is the primary ore of barium, which is used to make a wide variety of barium compounds. Uses include; weighing agent for drilling fluids in oil and gas exploration, filler in paints and plastics, sound reduction in engine compartments, brake linings, and auto paint coatings to add smoothness and corrosion resistance. Major producers include China, India, Morocco, and the US. US mining occurs in Arkansas, Connecticut, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Nevada, and Missouri.
Subject(s): Green River, WY, United States
environmental sciences