By CHISOM IBEMERE
Barite also known as Baryte is the most common Barium mineral, Barium Sulfate. It occurs in hydrothermal ore veins, limestone, marine deposits and in igneous rock cavities. It is basically formed as a large aggregate crystal known as Crested Barite.
Barite is derived from the Greek word “Barys” which means heavy. It has a transparent crystalline appearance and had varieties of colour which ranges from colourless to white and light shades of yellow, blue, brown as well as grey. The molecular weight of barite is 233.4g/mol.
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Barite mineral can be associated with other minerals like Anglestine and Celestine. Barite has commercial and industrial uses which includes:
They are used in the production of Barium hydroxide for sugar refining. They are used in paint and plastic fillers. It is used in sound reduction in various engine compartments.
Historically, Barium are used in pigments for paper, textiles and paints. They are used in making corrosive resistant coat of trucks and automobiles and also in radiation shield for cements and glass ceramics.
Nigeria has recorded over two million tons of barite ore deposits across various parts of the country which includes Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Cross River States.
