orthorhombic Sulfates
Barite
BaSO4
Quick Facts
Hardness
3.0
Specific Gravity
4.3
Refractive Index
1.636
Optical Character
Biaxial +
Crystal Structure
#! Species: Barite
#! System: Orthorhombic (mmm)
#! Habit: Tabular with prominent basal face
orthorhombic[mmm]:{001}@1.0 + {210}@0.8 + {110}@0.5
orthorhombic
mmm
{001} {210} {110}
Physical Properties
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Hardness (Mohs)3.0
Specific Gravity4.3
CleavagePerfect {001}, good {210}
FractureUneven
LustreVitreous to resinous
Optical Properties
Refractive Index1.636
Birefringence0.012
Optical CharacterBiaxial +
Dispersion0.016
PleochroismWeak
FluorescenceModerate to strong white, yellow, or orange
Colours
ColourlessWhiteBlue (celestial blue)YellowRedBrown
Localities
England (Cumberland, Derbyshire)MoroccoUSA (Colorado, South Dakota)GermanyRomaniaChina
Common Inclusions
Sand inclusions (in desert rose)Fluid inclusionsColour zoning
Crystal Forms
pinacoidprism
Notes
Exceptionally high specific gravity (4.3-4.5) for a non-metallic mineral; used in drilling mud
Interactive Preview
Open this crystal in the CDL Playground to rotate, export, and explore in 3D.
Open in Playground #! Species: Barite
#! System: Orthorhombic (mmm)
#! Habit: Tabular with prominent basal face
orthorhombic[mmm]:{001}@1.0 + {210}@0.8 + {110}@0.5
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the orthorhombic system
