Mineralogical characteristics
Barite is the most common barium mineral and its main ore.
Its name comes from the Greek "barys", meaning "heavy", due to its high specific gravity. It is also called "heavy spar".
Barite usually crystallizes in tabular or prismatic form, or in aggregates shaped like a "cock’s comb". It can also be found fibrous, massive, stalactitic or concretionary. Rosette-shaped barium crystals are called desert rose.
Barite is a common secondary mineral in lead and zinc veins or in sedimentary rocks such as limestone, in marine deposits and in cavities of igneous rocks. It is soft and fragile, so it is not usually carved.
Deposits
Spain, France, Romania, Great Britain, Germany, India and United States.
Therapeutic properties
Barite helps cleanse and rebalance the chakras. It enhances personal autonomy, communication, understanding between people and the overcoming of shyness. It facilitates memory, motivation and vitality.
On a physical level, it is said to calm the digestive and nervous systems.