Barium Sulfate Powder
Fine, asbestos-free hydrated magnesium silicate for plastics, paints, ceramics, paper, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
>98%
Purity benchmark
For high-sensitivity applications
4.5
Density
g/cm³, approximately
1580°C
Melting point
Degrees Celsius
8
Application areas
Paint, plastics, imaging, drilling and more
What is Barium Sulfate Powder?
One of the most insoluble salts known: inert, dense and bright white.
Barium sulfate (BaSO4) is an inorganic compound found naturally as the mineral barite, made of barium and sulfate ions.
It is one of the most insoluble salts of the alkaline earth metals. That insolubility makes it non-toxic, unlike soluble barium compounds.
It can be obtained by natural extraction from barite, which has lower purity, or by industrial purification, which gives a pure, non-toxic powder for demanding uses.
Insoluble means non-toxic
Soluble barium salts are toxic. Barium sulfate is not, because it does not dissolve.
Formula
BaSO4
Origin
Barite mineral
Form
White powder
Purity benchmark
Above 98% BaSO4
Key Characteristics
Six properties make barium sulfate the choice when density, purity and stability matter.
High purity
More than 98% BaSO4 for sensitive applications, with minimal impurities.
Whiteness and brightness
Precise processing gives a brilliant, pure white powder.
Uniform particle size
Controlled granulation disperses evenly in your formulation.
Chemical resistance
Suited to acidic and corrosive environments.
Thermal stability
Keeps its structure at high temperature.
X-ray absorption
Gives sharp contrast in medical imaging.
Why Barium Sulfate Powder?
Weight, whiteness and stability in one powder, for products that must perform under pressure.
Typical figures
Figures taken from product information. See specifications below.
Adds density and impact resistance
Can be loaded to high levels in plastics such as PP and PS, improving resistance to impact, vibration and mechanical stress.
Bright, durable paint and pigments
Combined with titanium dioxide, or as lithopone with zinc sulfide, it gives stable white pigments with strong coverage.
Safe in demanding uses
It is insoluble and non-toxic, which is why it is used as a contrast agent in medical imaging.
Stable in harsh conditions
Chemical and thermal resistance keeps it reliable in drilling fluids, coatings and ceramics.
Applications of Barium Sulfate Powder
Where it is used, and the job it does in each industry.
Paints and coatings
Mineral filler that adds brightness, durability and stability.
Plastics and rubber
Up to 70% by weight in PP and PS. Raises density and resistance to impact.
Medical imaging
Radiopaque contrast agent for X-ray and CT of the digestive tract.
Oil and gas drilling
Increases drilling mud density to balance pressure and stabilize boreholes.
Ceramics and glazes
Whitening and matting agent that improves glaze adhesion and reduces cracking.
Glass
Regulates color and improves chemical and UV resistance while keeping clarity.
Paper
Coating for photographic, inkjet and laser papers. Sharpens image contrast.
White pigments
Combined with TiO2 or zinc sulfide (lithopone) for stable, high-coverage pigments.
Barium sulfate in oil and gas drilling
Why it is used
Its high density lets the mud counter the pressure of fluids deep in the well
What makes it suitable
It is dense, chemically stable and insoluble, so it stays in suspension without reacting.
Function it performs
Weighting agent that stabilizes the borehole, helps prevent blowouts and aids removal of cuttings.
Who uses it
Drilling fluid formulators and oilfield service companies.
Technical Specifications
Typical properties of barium sulfate powder. Dashed fields are confirmed on the data sheet.
Need detailed technical information?
Composition and identity
Chemical composition
BaSO4Occurs
naturally as barite
Purity
Above 98% BaSO4
Benchmark for high-sensitivity applications
Appearance
White powder
Molar mass
233.39 g/mol
Physical properties
Particle size
Controlled granulation
Mesh or micron value on data sheet
Density
Approximately 4.5 g/cm³
Melting point
1580 °C
Solubility in water
Very slightly soluble
0.0002448 g/100 mL at 20 °C
PH
About 7 (neutral)
Large deviations may indicate impurities
Performance and quality
Whiteness
Exceptional whiteness
Value on data sheet
Moisture
Value on data sheet
Oil absorption
Value on data sheet
Loss on ignition
Value on data sheet
Packaging and handling
Packaging
Tightly sealed, moisture-resistant containers
Storage
Dry, cool, well ventilated
Exposure limits
10 mg/m³ total dust
5 mg/m³ respirable particles (OSHA and NIOSH guidance)
Grades and Types
Barium sulfate purity varies with how it is produced and what it is used for. Match the type to your application.
Natural barite
Natural extraction
Main properties
Extracted directly from barite. Lower purity.
Recommended for
Uses where high purity is not critical, such as drilling mud.
Key difference
Lower purity than industrially purified powder.
Purified BaSO4
Industrial purification
Main properties
Pure, non-toxic barium sulfate. Above 98% for sensitive applications.
Recommended for
Paints, plastics, ceramics, glass and paper.
Key difference
Higher purity and uniform particle size for demanding formulations.
Pharmaceutical grade
For medical use
Main properties
Purity that meets the requirements of medical use.
Recommended for
Contrast agent for X-ray and CT imaging.
Key difference
Requires pharmaceutical-grade purity and documentation.
Quality You Can Rely On
For barium sulfate, quality means purity and a documented analysis. Confirm both before it enters your process.
Raw material
Mineral sourced domestically and selected for quality.
Micronizing
Ground to a precise, uniform particle size.
Analysis
Checked against your requirements.
Packing and supply
Packed and delivered to your site.
Raw material selection
Barite sourced domestically and selected for the highest quality.
Production consistency
Modern technology gives precise, uniform particle size.
Quality control
Strict quality control for a high-purity product.
Laboratory testing
A certificate of analysis lets you check BaSO4 content, moisture, particle size and pH.
Packaging
Tightly sealed, moisture-resistant containers protect the powder.
Supply reliability
Available in various quantities, with fast delivery across the country.
Packaging and Delivery
Packing, quantities, storage and shipping at a glance.
Packaging options
Tightly sealed, moisture-resistant containers.
Available quantities
Available in various quantities to suit your needs.
Storage and handling
Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place. Exposure limits: 10 mg/m³ total dust, 5 mg/m³ respirable.
Shipping and export
Fast delivery across the country. To be confirmed with sales
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t find your answer? Contact our team and we will help you choose the right grade.
What is barium sulfate powder used for?
Paints and coatings, plastics and rubber, medical imaging, oil and gas drilling, ceramics and glazes, glass, paper, and white pigments.
Which industries use barium sulfate?
Paint and pigment makers, plastics and rubber compounders, medical imaging, oil and gas drilling, ceramics, glass and paper manufacturers.
Is barium sulfate toxic?
Barium sulfate is non-toxic because it is insoluble. Soluble barium salts are toxic. Inhaling dust may irritate, so follow the OSHA and NIOSH limits of 10 mg/m³ total dust and 5 mg/m³ respirable.
What is the purity of the product?
High-sensitivity applications generally require more than 98% BaSO4. Medical uses require pharmaceutical-grade purity. A certificate of analysis lets you confirm the values.
What is the difference between natural and purified barium sulfate?
Natural extraction from barite gives lower purity. Industrial purification gives a pure, non-toxic powder for demanding applications.
What particle sizes are available?
Barium sulfate is supplied with controlled, uniform granulation. Tell us your application and we will advise on the right size.
How should it be stored?
In a dry, cool, well-ventilated place, in tightly sealed, moisture-resistant containers.
Can I request a technical data sheet, certificate of analysis or sample?
Yes. Use the request form below and choose the option you need. A certificate of analysis is supplied with high-purity product.
How can I request a quotation?
Price depends on purity, order volume and shipping. Send us the grade, particle size and monthly quantity through the form, or contact our experts directly.
Can you supply barium sulfate for export?
Send us your destination and quantity, and our team will confirm the terms.
Looking for a Reliable Barium Sulfate Powder Supplier?
Tell us the grade, particle size and monthly quantity. Price depends on purity, order volume and shipping, so our experts quote for your exact needs.
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