Baryte is a mineral that belongs to sulphates, it has a granular structure and perfect cleavage. From Greek the mineral’s name is usually translated as “heavy”, and that is hardly surprising – this stone’s relative weight can be easily felt if one would take it into the hand.
The colour of the stone varies widely, and as usual it is transparent, slightly muddy or white, there are also brownish black, reddish and blueish coloured barites.
The first use of the stone was in the military arts in the function of a powerful weapon. Today baryte is actively used in manufacturing, medical industry, agriculture and also for the well-drilling. As an example, this mineral is actively used for melting durable glass. Baryte is also essential for the following processes: papermaking, ink making, currying as well as oil extracting.
Baryte deposits are widespread across the globe. The biggest are located in America, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Ireland and India. In the Mining Museum the XIX century samples of baryte are presented, which are taken from the collection of Duke N. M. Leihtenbergsky, previously found on the territory of England.
Baryte on quartz, Elk Creek, South Dakota, USA
Baryte with pyrite, Dufton, England
Baryte, Intergrowth of crystals with fluorite, Barnavadskoye deposit, the Pamirs, Tajikistan
Baryte on fluorite, Alston Moor, England, From the collection of Duke N.M.Leihtenbergsky
