Chemical composition: BaSO₄

Baryte (or barite) is a heavy mineral. Shown here is barite on calcite. It is the most common ore of barium. It is found worldwide in hydrothermal veins or in limestone and other sedimentary rocks. It can be colourless, white, yellow-brown, or blue and is translucent.

Gem-quality baryte are mined in South Dakota, and Arizona. Other good specimens of baryte are found in England, Italy, Sardinia, and the Sahara desert.