Barite is the naturally occurring sulphate of barium (baso4) . It is classified as an evaporite (salt) among industrial minerals. It is formed as a hydrothermal deposit in fissures and veins of highly compact sandstones and lateritic shale. Its formation is as a result of the metasomatic alteration and ionic exchange reactions in the crust resulting to the precipitation of this insoluble salt in the fissures and cracks of these highly baked sand stones and lateritic shale which usually serves as the host rock. In some cases the barite deposits are feruginised, that is, they contain appreciable quantity of iron thus making them look brownish and rusty. The depth of occurrence of these minerals ranges from 0. 2m below the surface to over 12m. The specific gravity of barite ranges from 2. 7 to 5. 0 depending on the composition and depth of occurrence. The deep-seated deposits often have higher specific gravities than shallow deposits. However, in some mines, crystalline barite from shallow pits shows higher specific gravity than shallow deposits. However, in some mines, crystalline barite from shallow pits show higher specific gravity than deep seated samples collected. The exposure of shallow deposits to weathering / erosions and other agents of degradation often reduce the specific gravity. Also the presence of other gangue minerals like ankerite, and siderite (the carbonates of iron) affects the specific gravity of barite. Barite occurrence is often associated with lead / zinc mineralization.
Barite commonly forms as large tubular crystals, as rosette-like aggregates of those crystals, or as divergent plates known as crested barite. Typically barite varies from colourless to white. It has specific gravity of between 3. 6-4. 5 which makes it suitable for use in drilling mud for the oil, gas and water drilling operations. Its unique specific gravity helps to carry rock cuttings to the surface and also to lubricate and cool the drilling bit. Its low oil absorption and wetability by oil allows barite to be used as filler and weighting agent.
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