Why is Barite Considered an Important Industrial Mineral?

Barite is a naturally occurring mineral that has an orthorhombic crystalline form and has high density and chemical inertness. The name is derived from Greek which means heavy and is majorly found in countries like the United States, India, Morocco, and China. Barite mineral is also found in several colors including white, brown, yellow, gray, blue, and sometimes even colorless. Additionally, barite is also found in conjunction with both metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits. According to a detailed report published by Research Dive, the global barite market is estimated to generate a revenue of $1,712.1 million and grow at a healthy CAGR of 4.3% during the 2021-2028 forecast timeframe.

Industrial Applications of Barite

As mentioned above, the barite mineral has high density and so, it’s quite suitable for a wide range of industrial, manufacturing, and medical uses. Here are a few applications of the barite mineral:

1. Medical Sector

A high-purity form of barite mineral is used in our gastrointestinal tract and its density helps to prevent x-ray penetration, thus making the gastrointestinal lining visible in the x-ray for determining normal and abnormal anatomy.

2. Drilling Industry

Barite is also used as a weighing material to formulate drilling mud and increases its hydrostatic pressure, thus allowing the mud to compensate for high-pressure spots during drilling. In addition, the softness of barite also prevents the drilling mud from damaging the drilling tools.

3. Other

The mineral is also used in several other applications like TV and computer monitors, paints, plastics, mold release compounds, rubber mud flaps, etc. Furthermore, the paper used to make some playing cards consists of barite packed between the paper fibers to offer high density and allow the cards to be dealt easily.

Stimulating Factors of the Barite Market

The adoption of barite by several industries and the rising energy demand is boosting the growth of the barite market. Moreover, growing investments in the oil and gas exploring activities are also propelling the market growth. Since barite is dominantly used as a filler in making plastic to increase the abrasive strength of plastic products, the constant demand for plastic products is also an augmenting factor for the barite market’s growth. Furthermore, barite is also used in the medical industry as an x-ray shielding material to help determine the anatomy. This is yet another bolstering growth factor that amplifies the demand for this mineral.

Metaphysical Properties of Barite

Although many might be aware of barite’s common industrial applications like those mentioned earlier, the mineral also provides some metaphysical benefits that are interesting to know.

It is believed that barite cleanses our system of toxins, soothes a nervous stomach, and helps in the healing of addictions. Moreover, barite ring wearers can also witness relief from a chronic fatigue system, low vitality, and constant exhaustion. The mineral also balances the brain chemistry and aids in motor functions.

Final Word

To conclude, the barite mineral is a naturally occurring compound and is usually found in conjunction with metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits. Since this mineral possesses strong properties like high density and great chemical inertness, it is dominantly used in a wide range of industrial and medical applications. Besides these uses, it is also believed that barite rings provide some effective metaphysical benefits and can assist in emotional and physical healing.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.