barite

[ bair-ahyt, bar- ]
/ ˈbɛər aɪt, ˈbær- /

noun

a common mineral, barium sulfate, BaSO4, occurring in white, yellow, or colorless tabular crystals: the principal ore of barium.
Also barytes.
Also called heavy spar.

Origin of barite

First recorded in 1780–90; bar(ytes) + -ite1

Example sentences from the Web for barite

British Dictionary definitions for barite

barite
/ (ˈbɛəraɪt) /

noun

US and Canadian a colourless or white mineral consisting of barium sulphate in orthorhombic crystalline form, occurring in sedimentary rocks and with sulphide ores: a source of barium. Formula: BaSO 4 Also called: barytes, heavy spar

Word Origin for barite

C18: from bar ( ium) + -ite 1

Scientific definitions for barite

barite
[ bârīt ]

A usually white, clear, or yellow orthorhombic mineral. Barite occurs as flattened blades or in a circular pattern of crystals that looks like a flower and, when colored red by iron stains, is called a desert rose. It is found in limestone, in clay-rich rocks, and in sandstones. Barite is used as a source of barium. Chemical formula: BaSO4.