Barite is a non-metallic mineral with the chemical formula BaSO4. it is also well known as heavy spar or barytine.

It is an inert, non-toxic material, that has a high specific weight reaching as much as 4.2 gr/cc, being this last characteristic from where its name derives, which comes from the Greek word baros that means heavy.

In nature it is found as white, green, gray or red colored crystalline masses.