Barite - 20604588a799919959bf3b56bcf5e1b9

Barium (atomic symbol Ba) is an alkaline Earth metal. Barite (also spelled baryte) is a mineral composed of barium sulfate. It is used in paints, inks, paper, and rubber. It is also used in radiology for diagnostic tests of the digestive tract as the metallic compound becomes visible in X-rays after patients are given a barium meal.