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Barite

Arsenic, with the chemical symbol As and atomic number 33, belongs to the group of metalloids in the periodic table. It occurs in several allotropic forms, the most common of which is a brittle, crystalline gray metalloid. The other forms include a yellow allotrope and a black amorphous form.

In its elemental form, Arsenic is relatively inert. However, when combined with other elements, it forms various compounds which are often more reactive. Arsenic is typically found in nature combined with sulfur in minerals such as arsenopyrite (FeAsS), realgar (As4S4), and orpiment (As2S3).


At TXRocks, our extensive range of critical minerals serve as the backbone of many industries worldwide. One such mineral is Barite – an unsung hero in the realm of industrial minerals. Though it may not be a household name, Barite plays a vital role in a variety of essential industries, from oil and gas to medical imaging.

Critical Usecases

Drilling Mud

The primary industrial use of Barite is as a weighting agent in drilling fluids or “mud” in oil and gas exploration. Its high specific gravity helps counteract the high-pressure zones encountered in drill holes, preventing blowouts.

Radiation Shielding

Barite’s ability to block X-ray and gamma-ray emissions makes it suitable for use in cement that shields nuclear reactors and hospital X-ray rooms.

Medical Imaging

Barite is used in a ‘barium meal,’ a slurry of barite in water taken orally for medical imaging of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The barite absorbs X-rays and shows up on the scan to provide images of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Paints and Plastics

In some cases, finely ground barite is used as a filler or extender in industrial paints and plastics. It adds weight to the product and can enhance the acoustic properties of certain plastics.

Automotive Industry

Due to its high density and resistance to heat, Barite is used in the production of brake pads and clutches in the automotive industry.

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