The high specific gravity, make barytes of
commercial interest in oil and gas exploration to control gas
pressures and cool drill bit temperatures. Additionally, the
minerals ability to absorb radiation finds use in medicine, and
radiation shielding in concrete and bricks. In glass making barytes
acts as an oxidizing agent and reduces foam and control color. Its
brightness and low particle size allows barites to be used in
paints and coatings. Whilst its inertness, weight and particle
shape make it a useful raw material in rubber, polymer
applications.
