Barite
What is Barite?
Barite is a mineral of the sulfate class. Specifically, it is made up of barium sulphate (BaSO4) and is normally white or colourless. Its name comes from the ancient Greek baris, which means heavy, in reference to its high density. It presents a rhombic or orthorhombic crystalline system, generates tubular crystals, and forms solid solutions with other members of its group. It can have an intense vitreous or nacreous luster and it is an acid-insoluble mineral.
It is a mineral that has a hardness between 3 and 3.5 on the Mohs scale, high resistance to high temperatures (melting point at 1580 ºC) and a high density between 4.3 and 4.5 g/cm³.
Available variants
BARITA SUPRA
Material with very high whiteness, more than 94%. It also has a very fine granulometry between 0 and 8 µm (Supra C) or between 0 and 15 µm (Supra C10).
WHITE BARITA
Material of high whiteness and fineness as well. Whiteness percentages above 92% and grain sizes up to 10 µm (Barita 5 B), 20 µm (Barita 15 B) or 30 µm (Barita 25 B).
BARIMIDE FC
Material with less whiteness (88%) and greater granulometry. Friction products with low SiO2 content. Particle sizes up to 25 µm (Barimide FC 20), 45 µm (Barimide FC 40), 75 µm (Barimide FC 75) and 90 µm (Barimide FC 20).
BARIMIDE BP
Material in which the whiteness is not measured and with greater granulometry. Products with a lower specific weight and density than the other barites, 4.21 g/cm3. Particle sizes up to 25 µm (Barimide BP 20), 45 µm (Barimide BP 40), 75 µm (Barimide BP 75), 90 µm (Barimide BP 20) and 150 µm (Barimide BP 150).
Barytes are supplied in different granulometries and degrees of whiteness, to satisfy the requirements of the consumer.
What is barite used for
Baryte is generally used as the main source of barium in various industrial applications as a filler or pigment. Its high whiteness makes it a highly appreciated white pigment. Its high density also allows it to be useful in construction materials and well drilling. On the other hand, it is also used in screens and porridges for X-rays. In addition, some of its main applications are in the paper industry and the manufacture of gums and rubber.
Coatings and paints
Barite is used in the manufacture of white pigments for paints. It is also used as a mineral filler in paints and special coatings such as road paint or various industrial coatings.
Dyes and pigments
Baryte is a highly white mineral of natural origin, which is why it is highly valued as a natural white pigment. White or off-white in colour, impurities can tint it a wide variety of colours. Known as CI Pigment White 22 on the Colour Index and the synthetic product CI Pigment White 21 (Colour P Index No. 77120, 1971).
It is used as a filler or extender to improve handling, increase opacity (in watercolour and gouache) and/or adulterate oil colours. It is also used as a base for more opaque lacquer pigments.
Barium sulphate is not soluble, so it is safe, but poorly processed barium sulphate or raw natural barium sulphate may have impurities or free soluble barium compounds that are highly poisonous.
Adhesives, resins and sealants
The baryte can be used in various construction applications. It is used as reinforcing filler in the manufacture of certain putties and plasters for the construction of light materials. It is also used in the glass industry.
Plastic compounds
The barite works as an additive and reinforcement in the manufacture of certain polymeric compounds such as some types of rubbers.
Paper
Barite is a mineral used in the paper industry due to its high level of whiteness. It is also used to make photographic paper.
Rubber and gums
Barite is a mineral frequently used for the manufacture of gums and rubber.
Cosmetic and medical
Barite is a mineral commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry as a contrast agent in medical tests. Its high density allows it to be easily detectable in X-rays and CT scans, which helps to visualize internal structures of the human body. In addition, it is also used as an additive in medicines to improve their fluidity and as a filler in capsules and tablets. Barite is considered a safe and effective ingredient in the production of pharmaceutical products, and its use is regulated and supervised by the corresponding health agencies.
Supplies
The barite powder can be supplied in different particle sizes depending on the type of product desired: 0-8 µm, 0-10 µm, 0-15 µm, 0-20 µm, 0-25 µm, 0-30 µm , 0-45 µm, 0-75 µm, 0-90 µm or 0-150 µm.
Also, three levels of whiteness are manufactured from high-quality natural barium sulphate mineral: greater than 88%, 92% or 94%.
For different applications, one size or another is recommended.
It can be supplied in 25 kg bags (on 1,000 kg pallets) or 1,000 kg big bags.
To request a quote that meets your needs on the barite, contact us.
OFFICE
Casp, 116, Ppal, 4ª 08013 BARCELONA – Spain