Baryte – Cumbria

Baryte, also known as barite, consists of barium sulphate and displays various crystal habits. These specific specimens come from Cumbria, UK, and have a bladed appearance. While predominantly white, some samples show a yellow-orange hue. However, baryte can occur in several other colours, including pink, orange, buff, or brown.

Despite being a non-metallic mineral, any baryte specimen is remarkably dense, with even small pieces feeling heavier than expected. This density led to its name, derived from the Greek word “βάρυζ,” meaning heavy. It occurs in a diverse range of environments and forms through various processes, including biogenic, hydrothermal, and evaporation, among others. Often found in lead-zinc veins, some samples also contain galena (lead sulphide).

A significant portion of worldwide extracted baryte, over 75%, serves as weighting material in drilling fluids for oil and gas exploration. It helps control high formation pressures and prevents blowouts. These specific specimens were collected from Cumbria, UK, and are available in different sizes, presented in a white card tray with an accompanying information label.