A high-density, inert sulfate that adds weight to drilling muds and body to filled formulations. Its high specific gravity makes it the standard weighting agent in oil- and gas-well drilling fluids and a high-density aggregate for radiation-shielding concrete.
▸Drilling-fluid weighting agent: Raises mud density in oil and gas drilling.
▸Filler/extender: Inert filler and pigment extender in paints, plastics, rubber and paper.
▸Radiation shielding: High-density aggregate for shielding concrete.
▸Coatings: Adds body and chemical resistance to coating films.
Physical Properties
Physical Description
Barium sulfate appears as white or yellowish odorless powder or small crystals. Mp: 1580 °C (with decomposition). Density: 4.25 -4.5 g cm-3. Insoluble in water, dilute acids, alcohol. Soluble in hot concentrated sulfuric acid. Used as a weighting mud in oil-drilling, in paints, paper coatings, linoleum, textiles, rubber. Administered internally ("barium cocktail") as a radio-opaque diagnostic aid.
Color/Form
Fine, heavy powder or polymorphous crystals
Odor
Odorless
Taste
Tasteless
Boiling Point
2912 °F at 760 mmHg (Decomposes) (NIOSH, 2024)
Melting Point
2876 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
Solubility
Practically insoluble in organic solvents; very slightly soluble in alkalis and in solution of many salts
Density
4.25 to 4.5 (NIOSH, 2024)
Vapor Pressure
0 mmHg (approx) (NIOSH, 2024)
Decomposition
When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of /sulfur oxides/.
pH
5% suspension in water is neutral to litmus paper
Refractive Index
Indices of refraction: 1.636 (alpha), 1.637 (beta), 1.648 (gamma)
Other Experimental Properties
Heat of formation: -1473.2 kJ/mol; Gibbs energy of formation: -1362.2 kJ/mol; molar entropy: 132.2 J/mol-K; molar heat capacity: 101.8 J/mol-K
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Barium sulfate (barite, CAS 7727-43-7) is a dense, chemically inert white mineral sulfate. Its high specific gravity makes it the standard weighting agent in oil- and gas-well drilling fluids and a high-density aggregate for radiation-shielding concrete. It is also widely used as an inert filler and pigment extender in paints, coatings, plastics, rubber and paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is barium sulfate (barite) used for?
Barium sulfate (barite, CAS 7727-43-7) is a dense, chemically inert white mineral sulfate. Its high specific gravity makes it the standard weighting agent in oil- and gas-well drilling fluids and a high-density aggregate for radiation-shielding concrete. It is also widely used as an inert filler and pigment extender in paints, coatings, plastics, rubber, and paper.
Is barium sulfate soluble in water?
Barium sulfate is highly insoluble in water and is one of the most insoluble common sulfate salts. This chemical inertness underpins its use as an inert filler, extender, and weighting agent. The formula is BaO4S (BaSO4).
What is the formula for barium sulfate?
Barium sulfate has the formula BaSO4 (listed as BaO4S), CAS 7727-43-7, and is the mineral barite in natural form. It is classified under HS 2511.10 as natural barium sulfate (barytes). RawSource provides full identity documentation with each order.
Why is barium sulfate used as a drilling-fluid weighting agent?
Barium sulfate's high specific gravity and chemical inertness let it raise mud density without reacting with other drilling-fluid components, controlling downhole pressure in oil and gas wells. It is the API-standard weighting material for this reason. RawSource supplies drilling-grade barite in bulk.
How is bulk barium sulfate shipped and quoted?
RawSource supplies barium sulfate in bulk for drilling, filler, and shielding applications, in bags, super sacks, or bulk depending on grade. It is assigned UN 1564 for transport; ship per the SDS and applicable DOT requirements. Submit a bulk RFQ with quantity and grade for current pricing and lead time.
Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.
