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Glite Dictionary
barite

barite

1 9.9
A heavy white or colorless mineral used as the main source of the metal barium
  • noun
  • /ˈbɛrɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : barita
  • The geology class examined a sample of barite, noting its distinctive white color and heavy weight.

Examples

  • Barite is often used in drilling fluids to increase their density, making it essential in oil exploration.

  • Incidentally, the state rock is "rose barite."

    Blog text (33)

  • About the highest mud weight I've ever heard of was 21 ppg, done by using something like galena or hematite in place of barite.

    Blog text (17)

  • In the mineral shop, I found a beautiful piece of barite that sparkled under the light.

Synonyms

heavy spar
vsbarite
  • Specialized
9.9

A white mineral mined to get the metal barium

has identical meaning but is the standard term used in geology
barium sulfate
vsbarite
  • Specialized
5.2

A white powder used in paint, in industry, and to help X-rays show the inside of the body

is the mineral form of that compound emphasising the role as barium source

Surface Forms

barite singular
barites plural

Morphology

barite = bary + ite

While the suffix '-ite' commonly marks minerals, the root 'bary-' is a Greek combining form (not a standalone English word) and the specific meaning ('barium sulfate mineral') cannot be derived by an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Barite comes from the Greek root barys, meaning 'heavy'. It is the main source of the element barium and is often called barytes by miners, so its name reminds us that the mineral is very heavy and useful when weight is needed in drilling.