Barite is the most common barium mineral. It is a sulfate of barium found in nature as in tabular crystals, granules, or compact masses and has a high specific gravity (4.5). Its colors are variable (white, blue, green, yellow and red shades) and crystal system is orthorhombic. Barite occurs widely throughout the world. It often occurs in hydrothermal ore veins with lead, and zinc minerals. It is insoluble in water and practically insoluble in the most chemical reagents under ordinary conditions. Barite is used the chief source of barium and its chemical compounds. Ground barite is used as a filler in the manufacture of linoleum, oilcloth, paper and textile manufacturing, rubber, and plastics. Ground barite is used in the oil industry, e.g., as filtering and deodorizing agents in the refining of petroleum and, mixed with other materials, as drilling muds to protect the cutting bit while drilling.